Surgical stapling system configured to provide selective cutting of tissue

BACKGROUND

0001The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0002Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

0003<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a surgical instrument including an interchangeable surgical tool assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0004<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is another perspective view of a handle assembly of the surgical instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, with a portion of the handle housing omitted to expose components housed therein;

0005<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assembly of the surgical instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>;

0006<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>;

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a partial cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-4</figref> with a grip portion of the handle assembly shown in solid lines in one position relative to a primary housing portion and in phantom lines in another position relative to the primary housing portion of the handle assembly;

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is an end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-5</figref> taken along line <b>6</b>-<b>6</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>;

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is another end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-6</figref> taken along line <b>7</b>-<b>7</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>;

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is another end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-7</figref> showing a shifter gear in meshing engagement with a drive gear on a rotary drive socket;

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is another end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-8</figref> showing the position of a shifter solenoid when the shifter gear is in meshing engagement with the drive gear on the rotary drive socket;

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is another perspective view of the handle assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-9</figref> with certain portions thereof shown in cross-section and with an access panel portion thereof shown in phantom;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a top view of the handle assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-11</figref> with a bailout system shown in an actuatable position;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a perspective view of a bailout handle of the bailout system depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-11</figref>;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is an exploded assembly view of portions of the bailout handle of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> with portions thereof shown in cross-section;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a cross-sectional elevation view of the handle assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates an exploded view of an interchangeable tool assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a perspective view of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a cross-sectional exploded view of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a perspective view of an articulation block of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of an articulation joint of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> including the articulation block of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is another cross-sectional perspective view of the articulation joint of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a partial exploded view of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is another partial exploded view of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a partial exploded view of the articulation joint of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the proximal end of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is an end view of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> taken along line <b>27</b>-<b>27</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> illustrating the end effector in a clamped, but unfired condition;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> taken along line <b>28</b>-<b>28</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> illustrating the end effector in a clamped, but unfired condition;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> taken along line <b>29</b>-<b>29</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> illustrating the end effector in a clamped, but unfired condition;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrated in a disassembled condition;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> illustrates the end effector of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> articulated in a first direction;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> illustrates the end effector of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> articulated in a second direction;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a perspective view of a cartridge body of the interchangeable tool assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> is a perspective view of a cartridge body in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref> is an exploded view of an end effector of an interchangeable tool assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref> is a disassembled view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref>;

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref> is a disassembled view of an end effector of an interchangeable tool assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38</figref> is a disassembled view of an end effector of an interchangeable tool assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref> is a perspective view illustrating a staple cartridge and a shaft of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembled to the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref>;

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a closure drive, an anvil, and a lockout configured to prevent the anvil from being assembled to the closure drive if the closure drive is not in a fully-extended position;

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref> illustrating the anvil attached to the closure drive;

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref> is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge and a closure drive configured to move an anvil relative to the staple cartridge;

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 44</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref> illustrating a lockout configured to prevent the closure drive from being retracted without the anvil being attached to the closure drive;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 44</figref> illustrating the anvil attached to the closure drive and the lockout disengaged from the closure drive;

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge including staples removable stored therein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge;

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 47</figref> is a detail view of a lockout configured to prevent the firing drive from being actuated prior to the anvil being moved into a closed position;

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref> is a detail view of the lockout of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 47</figref> disengaged from the firing drive;

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref> is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge including staples removable stored therein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge;

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref> is a detail view of a lockout of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref> configured to prevent the firing drive from being actuated prior to the anvil applying a sufficient pressure to tissue captured between the anvil and the staple cartridge;

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 51</figref> is a detail view of the lockout of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref> disengaged from the firing drive;

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 52</figref> is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge including staples removable stored therein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge;

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref> is a detail view of a lockout of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 52</figref> configured to prevent the anvil from being detached from the closure drive while a cutting member of the firing drive is exposed above the staple cartridge;

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref> is a detail view of the lockout of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref> disengaged from the anvil after the firing drive has been sufficiently retracted after a firing stroke;

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge including staples removable stored therein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge;

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref> illustrating the closure drive in a clamped configuration and the firing drive in an unfired configuration, wherein the firing drive is holding a lockout in an unreleased configuration;

0059<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 57</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref> illustrating the firing drive in an at least partially-fired configuration and the lockout of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref> in a released configuration;

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 58</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref> illustrating the closure drive in an extended, or open, configuration and the lockout of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref> engaged with the closure drive to prevent the closure drive from being re-clamped;

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref> is a cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge including staples removable stored therein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge which is illustrated in a disabled, or locked out, configuration;

0062<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59A</figref> is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref> taken along line <b>59</b>A-<b>59</b>A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref>;

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref> illustrated in a clamped configuration in which the firing drive has been enabled;

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60A</figref> is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref> taken along line <b>60</b>A-<b>60</b>A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref>;

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge including staples removable stored therein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge, wherein the closure drive is illustrated in an unclamped configuration and the firing drive is illustrated in an inoperable configuration;

0066<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 62</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref> with the closure drive illustrated in a clamped configuration and the firing drive is illustrated in an operable configuration;

0067<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref> is a perspective view of a rotatable intermediate drive member of the firing drive of the surgical instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref>;

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 64</figref> is a partial perspective view of a rotatable firing shaft of the firing drive of the surgical instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref>;

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 65</figref> is an elevational view of a spring system configured to bias the firing shaft of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 64</figref> out of engagement with the intermediate drive member of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref>;

0070<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 66</figref> is an exploded view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 66</figref> illustrating a lockout configured to prevent the end effector from being operated if the staple cartridge is not fully assembled to the stapling instrument;

0072<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 68</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 66</figref> illustrating the lockout in an unlocked configuration;

0073<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 69</figref> is an exploded view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0074<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 70</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 69</figref> illustrating a lock configured to releasably hold the staple cartridge to the stapling instrument;

0075<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 71</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 69</figref> illustrating the lock in an unlocked configuration;

0076<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref> illustrates a shaft of a surgical stapling instrument configured to be used with a staple cartridge selected from a plurality of circular staple cartridges;

0077<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 73</figref> is a cross-sectional view of a distal end of the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref>;

0078<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising an unfired staple cartridge and a lockout system configured to prevent the staple cartridge from being re-fired after it has been previously fired by a firing drive of the surgical instrument;

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 75</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref> illustrated in a clamped configuration and the firing drive in a fired configuration;

0080<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 76</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref> illustrated in an unclamped configuration and the firing drive in a retracted configuration;

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 77</figref> is an end view of the firing drive and a frame of the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref> illustrating the firing drive in an unfired configuration;

0082<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 78</figref> is an end view of the firing drive and the frame of the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref> illustrating the firing drive in a retracted configuration;

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 79</figref> is an end view of an alternative staple cartridge design that is usable with the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref>;

0084<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 80</figref> is an end view of an alternative staple cartridge design that is usable with the stapling instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref>;

0085<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 81</figref> is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a flexible shaft in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0086<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 82</figref> is a schematic of a surgical instrument kit comprising a plurality of end effectors in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0087<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 82A</figref> is a schematic of a robotic surgical instrument system comprising a plurality of attachable end effectors in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0088<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 83</figref> is a perspective view of several end effectors depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 82</figref>;

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 84</figref> is a perspective view of an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0090<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 85</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the anvil of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 84</figref>;

0091<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including the anvil of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 84</figref> illustrated in a fired configuration;

0092<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 87</figref> is a perspective view of an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0093<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 88</figref> is a plan view of the anvil of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 87</figref>;

0094<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 89</figref> is a cross-sectional view of an end effector in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated in a clamped, unfired configuration;

0095<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 90</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 89</figref> illustrated in a fired configuration;

0096<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 91</figref> is a cross-sectional view of an end effector in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment illustrated in a clamped, unfired configuration;

0097<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 92</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 91</figref> illustrated in a fired configuration;

0098<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 93</figref> is a cross-sectional view of an end effector in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment illustrated in a clamped, unfired configuration;

0099<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 94</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 91</figref> illustrated in a fired configuration;

0100<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 95</figref> is a perspective view of a staple forming pocket in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0101<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 96</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 95</figref>;

0102<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 97</figref> is an exploded view of an end effector in accordance with at least one embodiment configured to sequentially deploy a first annular row of staples and a second annular row of staples;

0103<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 98</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 97</figref> illustrating a firing driver deploying a staple in the first row of staples;

0104<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 99</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 97</figref> illustrating the firing driver of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 98</figref> deploying a staple in the second row of staples;

0105<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref> is a partial perspective view of a firing drive configured to sequentially drive a first driver for firing a first row of staples, a second driver for firing a second row of staples, and then a third driver for driving a cutting member;

0106<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 101</figref> is a partial perspective view of the firing drive of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref> illustrating the first driver in a fired position;

0107<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 102</figref> is a partial perspective view of the firing drive of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref> illustrating the second driver in a fired position;

0108<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 103</figref> is a partial perspective view of the firing drive of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref> illustrating the third driver in a fired position;

0109<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 104</figref> is an exploded view of the firing drive of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref>;

0110<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 105</figref> is a partial perspective view of the firing drive of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref> in the configuration of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 103</figref>;

0111<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 106</figref> is an exploded view of a firing drive in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

0112<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref> is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical staple cartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0113<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 108</figref> depicts a pair of staples in accordance with at least one embodiment in unformed and formed configurations;

0114<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 109</figref> is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an anvil in relation to a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref> prior to actuation of the staple forming process;

0115<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 110</figref> is another cross-sectional view of the anvil of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 109</figref> and the staple cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref> after the staples have been formed;

0116<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 111</figref> is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical staple cartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0117<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 112</figref> is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an anvil in relation to a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 111</figref> prior to actuation of the staple forming process;

0118<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 113</figref> is another cross-sectional view of the anvil and staple cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 112</figref> after the staples have been formed;

0119<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 114</figref> is a top view of a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0120<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 115</figref> is a bottom view of an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment;

0121<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 116</figref> is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an anvil in relation to a portion of a surgical staple cartridge;

0122<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 117</figref> depicts three unformed surgical staples;

0123<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 118</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge of a circular stapler in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

0124<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 119</figref> illustrates a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge of a circular stapler in accordance with at least one embodiment.

0125Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0126Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0127U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281171;

0128U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281163;

0129U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/281172;

0130U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281165;

0131U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281161;

0132U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281166;

0133U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,283, entitled CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING DEVICES WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FIRING SHAFTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281167;

0134U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281168;

0135U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281178;

0136U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281186;

0137U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281187;

0138U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281179;

0139U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281183;

0140U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281184;

0141U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281185;

0142U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281170;

0143U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281155;

0144U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281173;

0145U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281177;

0146U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281188;

0147U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281180;

0148U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281164;

0149U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281189;

0150U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281169; and

0151U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281174.

0152The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

0153U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

0154U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

0155U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

0156The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

0157U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR;

0158U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

0159U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT;

0160U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;

0161U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

0162U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS;

0163U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS;

0164U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and

0165U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

0166The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

0167U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

0168U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

0169U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

0170U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

0171Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0172U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;

0173U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES;

0174U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

0175U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT;

0176U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

0177U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

0178Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0179U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

0180U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

0181U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RAPES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES;

0182U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION;

0183U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

0184U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES;

0185U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

0186U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE;

0187U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING;

0188U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER;

0189U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT; and

0190U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING.

0191Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0192U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,779;

0193U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249915;

0194U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;

0195U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918;

0196U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;

0197U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,931,118;

0198U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909;

0199U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,258;

0200U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927; and

0201U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,159,483.

0202Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0203U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING;

0204U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS;

0205U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

0206U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

0207U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE;

0208U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS;

0209U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS;

0210U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS;

0211U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM; and

0212U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM.

0213Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0214U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471;

0215U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472;

0216U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;

0217U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246474;

0218U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478;

0219U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246477;

0220U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246479;

0221U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;

0222U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246473; and

0223U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246476.

0224Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0225U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542;

0226U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263537;

0227U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564;

0228U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;

0229U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538;

0230U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;

0231U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565;

0232U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263553;

0233U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263543; and

0234U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

0235Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent application that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

0236U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263539.

0237Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0238U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;

0239U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272581;

0240U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;

0241U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574;

0242U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579;

0243U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;

0244U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571;

0245U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;

0246U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570;

0247U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572;

0248U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557;

0249U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;

0250U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424;

0251U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583; and

0252U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

0253Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0254U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066912;

0255U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;

0256U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910;

0257U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909;

0258U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled USE OF POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET DETECTION TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915;

0259U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911;

0260U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066916; and

0261U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

0262Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0263U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987;

0264U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305989;

0265U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305988;

0266U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666;

0267U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991;

0268U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994;

0269U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665;

0270U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; and

0271U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

0272Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

0273U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

0274U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

0275U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and

0276U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

0277Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

0278The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

0279The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

0280Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

0281A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

0282The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

0283The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

0284Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

0285<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts a motor-driven surgical system <b>10</b> that may be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor driven surgical system <b>10</b> comprises a selectively reconfigurable housing or handle assembly <b>20</b> that is attached to one form of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly <b>1000</b>. For example, the system <b>10</b> that is depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly <b>1000</b> that comprises a surgical cutting and fastening instrument which may be referred to as an endocutter. As will be discussed in further detail below, the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies may include end effectors that are adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges and, have different shaft lengths, sizes, and types, etc. Such arrangements, for example, may utilize any suitable fastener, or fasteners, to fasten tissue. For instance, a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attached to the end effector of a surgical tool assembly. Other surgical tool assemblies may be interchangeably employed with the handle assembly <b>20</b>. For example, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly <b>1000</b> may be detached from the handle assembly <b>20</b> and replaced with a different surgical tool assembly that is configured to perform other surgical procedures. In other arrangements, the surgical tool assembly may not be interchangeable with other surgical tool assemblies and essentially comprise a dedicated shaft that is non-removably affixed or coupled to the handle assembly <b>20</b>, for example. The surgical tool assemblies may also be referred to as elongate shaft assemblies. The surgical tool assemblies may be reusable or, in other configurations, the surgical tool assemblies may be designed to be disposed of after a single use.

0286As the present Detailed Description proceeds, it will be understood that the various forms of interchangeable surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the terms “housing” and “housing assembly” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate the elongate shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

0287Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the housing assembly or handle assembly <b>20</b> comprises a primary housing portion <b>30</b> that may be formed from a pair of housing segments <b>40</b>, <b>70</b> that may be fabricated from plastic, polymer materials, metal, etc. and be joined together by an appropriate fastener arrangement such as, for example, adhesive, screws, press-fit features, snap-fit features, latches, etc. As will be discussed in further detail below, the primary housing portion <b>30</b> operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is operably attached thereto. The handle assembly <b>20</b> further comprises a grip portion <b>100</b> that is movably coupled to the primary housing portion <b>30</b> and is configured to be gripped and manipulated by the clinician in various positions relative to the primary housing portion <b>30</b>. The grip portion <b>100</b> may be fabricated from a pair of grip segments <b>110</b>, <b>120</b> that may be fabricated from plastic, polymer materials, metal, etc. and are joined together by an appropriate fastener arrangement such as, for example, adhesive, screws, press-fit features, snap-fit features, latches, etc. for assembly and maintenance purposes.

0288As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the grip portion <b>100</b> comprises a grip housing <b>130</b> that defines a hollow cavity <b>132</b> that is configured to operably support a drive motor and gearbox which will be discussed in further detail below. The upper portion <b>134</b> of the grip housing <b>130</b> is configured to extend through an opening <b>80</b> in the primary housing portion <b>30</b> and be pivotally journaled on a pivot shaft <b>180</b>. The pivot shaft <b>180</b> defines a pivot axis designated as “PA”. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. For reference purposes, the handle assembly <b>20</b> defines a handle axis designated as “HA” that may be parallel to the shaft axis “SA” of the elongate shaft assembly of the interchangeable surgical tool that is operably attached to the handle assembly <b>20</b>. The pivot axis PA is transverse to the handle axis HA. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Such arrangement enables the grip portion <b>100</b> to be pivoted relative to the primary housing portion <b>30</b> about the pivot axis PA to a position that is best suited for the type of interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is coupled to the handle assembly <b>20</b>. The grip housing <b>130</b> defines a grip axis, generally designated as “GA”. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. When the interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is coupled to the handle assembly <b>20</b> comprises an endocutter for example, the clinician might want to position the grip portion <b>100</b> relative to the primary housing portion <b>30</b> such that the grip axis GA is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular (angle “H<b>1</b>”) to the handle axis HA (referred to herein as a “first grip position”). See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. However, if the handle assembly <b>20</b> is being used to control an interchangeable surgical tool assembly that comprises a circular stapler for example, the clinician may wish to pivot the grip portion <b>100</b> relative to the primary housing portion <b>30</b> to a position wherein the grip axis GA is at a forty-five degree or approximately forty-five degree angle or other suitable acute angle (angle “H<b>2</b>”) relative to the handle axis HA. This position is referred to herein as a “second grip position”. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates the grip portion <b>100</b> in phantom lines in the second grip position.

0289Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-5</figref>, the handle assembly <b>20</b> also includes a grip locking system, generally designated as <b>150</b>, for selectively locking the grip portion <b>100</b> in the desired orientation relative to the primary housing portion <b>30</b>. In one arrangement, the grip locking system <b>150</b> comprises an arcuate series <b>152</b> of pointed teeth <b>154</b>. The teeth <b>154</b> are spaced from each other and form a locking groove <b>156</b> therebetween. Each locking groove <b>156</b> corresponds to a particular angular locking position for the grip portion <b>100</b>. For example, in at least one arrangement, the teeth <b>154</b> and locking grooves or “locking locations” <b>156</b> are arranged to permit the grip portion <b>100</b> to be locked at 10-15 degree intervals between the first grip position and the second grip position. The arrangement may employ two stop positions which are tailored to the type of instrument (shaft arrangement) employed. For example, for an endocutter shaft arrangement, it may be approximately around ninety degrees to the shaft and for a circular stapler arrangement, the angle may be approximately forty-five degrees to the shaft while being swept forward towards the surgeon. The grip locking system <b>150</b> further includes a locking button <b>160</b> that has a locking portion that is configured to lockingly engage the locking grooves <b>156</b>. For example, the locking button <b>160</b> is pivotally mounted in the primary handle portion <b>30</b> on a pivot pin <b>131</b> to permit the locking button <b>160</b> to pivot into engagement with a corresponding locking groove <b>156</b>. A locking spring <b>164</b> serves to bias the locking button <b>160</b> into an engaged or locked position with the corresponding locking groove <b>156</b>. The locking portion and the teeth configurations serve to enable the teeth <b>154</b> to slide past the locking portion when the clinician depresses the locking button <b>160</b>. Thus, to adjust the angular position of the grip portion <b>100</b> relative to the primary housing portion <b>30</b>, the clinician depresses the locking button <b>160</b> and then pivots the grip portion <b>100</b> to the desired angular position. Once the grip portion <b>100</b> has been moved to the desired position, the clinician releases the locking button <b>160</b>. The locking spring <b>164</b> will then bias the locking button <b>160</b> toward the series of teeth <b>154</b> so that the locking portion enters the corresponding locking groove <b>156</b> to retain the grip portion <b>100</b> in that position during use.

0290The handle assembly <b>20</b> operably supports a first rotary drive system <b>300</b>, a second rotary drive system <b>320</b> and a third axial drive system <b>400</b>. The rotary drive systems <b>300</b>, <b>320</b> are each powered by a motor <b>200</b> that is operably supported in the grip portion <b>100</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, for example, the motor <b>200</b> is supported within the cavity <b>132</b> in the grip portion <b>100</b> and has a gear box assembly <b>202</b> that has an output drive shaft <b>204</b> protruding therefrom. In various forms, the motor <b>200</b> may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor <b>200</b> may be powered by a power source <b>210</b> that, in one form, may comprise a removable power pack <b>212</b>. The power source <b>210</b> may comprise, for example, anyone of the various power source arrangements disclosed in further detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575 and entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In the illustrated arrangement, for example, the power pack <b>212</b> may comprise a proximal housing portion <b>214</b> that is configured for attachment to a distal housing portion <b>216</b>. The proximal housing portion <b>214</b> and the distal housing portion <b>216</b> are configured to operably support a plurality of batteries <b>218</b> therein. Batteries <b>218</b> may each comprise, for example, a Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable battery. The distal housing portion <b>216</b> is configured for removable operable attachment to a handle circuit board assembly <b>220</b> which is also operably coupled to the motor <b>200</b>. The handle circuit board assembly <b>220</b> may also be generally referred to herein as the “control system or CPU <b>224</b>”. A number of batteries <b>218</b> may be connected in series may be used as the power source for the handle assembly <b>20</b>. In addition, the power source <b>210</b> may be replaceable and/or rechargeable. In other embodiments, the surgical instrument <b>10</b> may be powered by alternating current (AC) for example. The motor <b>200</b> may be controlled by a rocker switch <b>206</b> that is mounted to the grip portion <b>100</b>.

0291As outlined above, the motor <b>200</b> is operably coupled to a gear box assembly <b>202</b> that includes an output drive shaft <b>204</b>. Attached to the output drive shaft <b>204</b> is a driver bevel gear <b>230</b>. The motor <b>200</b>, the gear box assembly <b>202</b>, the output drive shaft <b>204</b> and the driver bevel gear <b>230</b> may also be collectively referred to herein as a “motor assembly <b>231</b>”. The driver bevel gear <b>230</b> interfaces with a driven bevel gear <b>234</b> that is attached to a system drive shaft <b>232</b> as well as a pivot bevel gear <b>238</b> that is journaled on the pivot shaft <b>180</b>. The driven bevel gear <b>234</b> is axially movable on the system drive shaft <b>232</b> between an engaged position wherein the driven bevel gear <b>234</b> is in meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear <b>230</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) and a disengaged position wherein the driven bevel gear <b>234</b> is out of meshing engagement with the drive bevel gear <b>230</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>). A drive system spring <b>235</b> is journaled between the driven bevel gear <b>234</b> and a proximal end flange <b>236</b> that is formed on a proximal portion of the system drive shaft <b>232</b>. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 14</figref>. The drive system spring <b>235</b> serves to bias the driven bevel gear <b>234</b> out of meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear <b>230</b> as will be discussed in further detail below. The pivot bevel gear <b>238</b> facilitates pivotal travel of the output drive shaft <b>204</b> and driver bevel gear <b>230</b> with the grip portion <b>100</b> relative to the primary handle portion <b>30</b>.

0292In the illustrated example, the system drive shaft <b>232</b> interfaces with a rotary drive selector system, generally designated as <b>240</b>. In at least one form, for example, the rotary drive selector system <b>240</b> comprises a shifter gear <b>250</b> that is selectively movable between the first rotary drive system <b>300</b> and the second rotary drive system <b>320</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-9</figref>, for example, the drive selector system <b>240</b> comprises a shifter mounting plate <b>242</b> that is non-movably mounted within primary handle portion <b>30</b>. For example, the shifter mounting plate <b>242</b> may be frictionally retained between mounting lugs (not shown) formed in the housing segments <b>40</b>, <b>70</b> or be otherwise retained therein by screws, adhesive, etc. Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-9</figref>, the system drive shaft <b>232</b> extends through a hole in the shifter mounting plate <b>242</b> and has the central, or system, drive gear <b>237</b> non-rotatably attached thereto. For example the central drive gear <b>237</b> may be attached to the system drive shaft <b>232</b> by a keyway arrangement <b>233</b>. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-9</figref>. In other arrangements, the system drive shaft <b>232</b> may be rotatably supported in the shifter mounting plate <b>242</b> by a corresponding bearing (not shown) that is mounted thereto. In any event, rotation of the system drive shaft <b>232</b> will result in rotation of the central drive gear <b>234</b>.

0293As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the first drive system <b>300</b> includes a first drive socket <b>302</b> that is rotatably supported in a distal wall <b>32</b> formed in the primary handle portion <b>30</b>. The first drive socket <b>302</b> may comprise a first body portion <b>304</b> that has a splined socket formed therein. A first driven gear <b>306</b> is formed on or is non-movably attached to the first body portion <b>304</b>. The first body portion <b>304</b> may be rotatably supported in a corresponding hole or passage provided the distal wall <b>32</b> or it may be rotatably supported in a corresponding bearing (not shown) that is mounted in the distal wall <b>32</b>. Similarly, the second rotary drive system <b>320</b> includes a second drive socket <b>322</b> that is also rotatably supported in the distal wall <b>32</b> of the primary handle portion <b>30</b>. The second drive socket <b>322</b> may comprise a second body portion <b>324</b> that has a splined socket formed therein. A second driven gear <b>326</b> is formed on or is non-rotatably mounted to the second body portion <b>324</b>. The second body portion <b>324</b> may be rotatably supported in a corresponding hole or passage provided the distal wall <b>32</b> or it may be rotatably supported in a corresponding bearing (not shown) that is mounted in the distal wall <b>32</b>. The first and second drive sockets <b>302</b>, <b>322</b> are spaced from each other on each lateral side of the handle axis HA. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, for example.

0294As indicated above, in the illustrated example, the rotary drive selector system <b>240</b> includes a shifter gear <b>250</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-9</figref>, the shifter gear <b>250</b> is rotatably mounted on an idler shaft <b>252</b> that is movably supported in an arcuate slot <b>244</b> in the shifter mounting plate <b>242</b>. The shifter gear <b>250</b> is mounted so as to freely rotate on the idler shaft <b>252</b> and remain in meshing engagement with the central drive gear <b>234</b>. The idler shaft <b>252</b> is coupled to an end of a shaft <b>262</b> of a shifter solenoid <b>260</b>. The shifter solenoid <b>260</b> is pinned or otherwise mounted with the primary handle housing <b>30</b> such that when the shifter solenoid <b>260</b> is actuated, the shifter gear <b>250</b> is moved into meshing engagement with one of the first driven gear <b>306</b> or the second driven gear <b>326</b>. For example, in one arrangement, when the solenoid shaft is <b>262</b> is retracted (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>), the shifter gear <b>250</b> is in meshing engagement with the central drive gear <b>234</b> and the first driven gear <b>306</b> such that actuation of the motor <b>200</b> will result in rotation of the first drive socket <b>302</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>, a shifter spring <b>266</b> may be employed to bias the shifter gear <b>250</b> into that first actuation position. Thus, should power be lost to the surgical instrument <b>10</b>, the shifter spring <b>266</b> will automatically bias the shifter gear <b>250</b> into the first position. When the shifter gear <b>250</b> is in that position, subsequent actuation of the motor <b>200</b> will result in rotation of the first drive socket <b>302</b> of the first rotary drive system <b>300</b>. When the shifter solenoid is actuated, the shifter gear <b>250</b> is moved into meshing engagement with the second driven gear <b>326</b> on the second drive socket <b>322</b>. Thereafter, actuation of the motor <b>200</b> will result in actuation or rotation of the second drive socket <b>322</b> of the second rotary drive system <b>320</b>.

0295As will be discussed in further detail below, the first and second rotary drive systems <b>300</b>, <b>320</b> may be used to power various component portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is coupled thereto. As indicated above, in at least one arrangement, if during the actuation of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly, power was lost to the motor, the shifter spring <b>266</b> will bias the shifter gear <b>250</b> to the first position. Depending upon which component portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly was being operated, it may be necessary to reverse the application of the rotary drive motion to the first drive system <b>300</b> to enable the interchangeable surgical tool assembly to be removed from the patient. The handle assembly <b>20</b> of the illustrated example employs a manually actuatable “bailout” system, generally designated as <b>330</b>, for manually applying a rotary drive motion to the first rotary drive system <b>300</b> in the above described scenario, for example.

0296Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3, 10 and 11</figref>, the illustrated bailout system <b>330</b> comprises a bailout drive train <b>332</b> that includes a planetary gear assembly <b>334</b>. In at least one form, the planetary gear assembly <b>334</b> includes a planetary gear housing <b>336</b> that houses a planetary gear arrangement (not shown) that includes a planetary bevel gear <b>338</b>. The planetary gear assembly <b>334</b> includes a bailout drive shaft <b>340</b> that is operably coupled to the planetary gear arrangement within the planetary gear housing <b>336</b>. Rotation of the planetary bevel gear <b>338</b> rotates the planetary gear arrangement which ultimately rotates the bailout drive shaft <b>340</b>. A bailout drive gear <b>342</b> is journaled on the bailout drive shaft <b>340</b> so that the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> can move axially on the bailout drive shaft <b>340</b>, yet rotate therewith. The bailout drive gear <b>342</b> is movable between a spring stop flange <b>344</b> that is formed on the bailout drive shaft <b>340</b> and a shaft end stop <b>346</b> that is formed on the distal end of the bailout drive shaft <b>340</b>. A bailout shaft spring <b>348</b> is journaled on the bailout drive shaft <b>340</b> between the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> and the spring stop flange <b>344</b>. The bailout shaft spring <b>348</b> biases the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> distally on the bailout drive shaft <b>340</b>. When the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> is in its distal-most position on the bail out drive shaft <b>340</b>, it is in meshing engagement with a bailout driven gear <b>350</b> that is non-rotatably mounted to the system drive shaft <b>232</b>. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>.

0297Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>, the bailout system <b>330</b> includes a bailout actuator assembly or bailout handle assembly <b>360</b> that facilitates the manual application of a bailout drive motion to the bailout drive train <b>332</b>. As can be seen in those Figures, the bailout handle assembly <b>360</b> includes a bailout bevel gear assembly <b>362</b> that comprises a bailout bevel gear <b>364</b> and a ratchet gear <b>366</b>. The bailout handle assembly <b>360</b> further includes a bailout handle <b>370</b> that is movably coupled to the bailout bevel gear assembly <b>362</b> by a pivot yoke <b>372</b> that is pivotally mounted on the ratchet gear <b>366</b>. The bailout handle <b>370</b> is pivotally coupled to the pivot yoke <b>372</b> by a pin <b>374</b> for selective pivotal travel between a stored position “SP” and an actuation position “AP”. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. A handle spring <b>376</b> is employed to bias the bailout handle <b>370</b> into the actuation position AP. In at least one arrangement, the angle between the axis SP representing the stored position and the axis AP representing the actuation position may be approximately thirty degrees, for example. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. As can also be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the bailout handle assembly <b>360</b> further includes a ratchet pawl <b>378</b> that is rotatably mounted in a cavity or hole <b>377</b> in the pivot yoke <b>372</b>. The ratchet pawl <b>378</b> is configured to meshingly engage the ratchet gear <b>366</b> when rotated in an actuation direction “AD” and then rotate out of meshing engagement when rotated in the opposite direction. A ratchet spring <b>384</b> and ball member <b>386</b> are movably supported in a cavity <b>379</b> in the pivot yoke <b>372</b> and serve to lockingly engage detents <b>380</b>, <b>382</b> in the ratchet pawl <b>378</b> as the bailout handle <b>370</b> is actuated (ratcheted).

0298Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 10</figref>, the bailout system <b>330</b> further includes a bailout access panel <b>390</b> that is maneuverable between an open position and a closed position. In the illustrated arrangement, the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is configured to be removably coupled to the housing segment <b>70</b> of the primary housing portion <b>30</b>. Thus, in at least that embodiment, when the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is removed or detached from the primary housing portion <b>30</b>, it is said to be in an “open” position and when the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is attached to the primary housing portion <b>30</b> as illustrated, it is said to be in a “closed” position. Other embodiments are contemplated, however, wherein the access panel is movably coupled to the primary housing portion such that when the access panel is in the open position, it remains attached thereto. For example, in such embodiments, the access panel may be pivotally attached to the primary housing portion or slidably attached to the primary housing portion and be maneuverable between an open position and a closed position. In the illustrated example, the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is configured to snappingly engage corresponding portions of the housing segment <b>70</b> to removably retain it in a “closed” position. Other forms of mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins, etc. could also be used.

0299Regardless of whether the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is detachable from the primary housing portion <b>30</b> or it remains movably attached to the primary housing portion <b>30</b>, the bailout access panel <b>390</b> includes a drive system locking member or yoke <b>392</b> and a bailout locking member or yoke <b>396</b> that each protrudes out from the backside thereof or are otherwise formed thereon. The drive system locking yoke <b>392</b> includes a drive shaft notch <b>394</b> that is configured to receive a portion of the system drive shaft <b>232</b> therein when the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is installed in the primary housing portion <b>30</b> (i.e., the bailout access panel is in the “closed” position). When the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is positioned or installed in the closed position, the drive system locking yoke <b>392</b> serves to bias the driven bevel gear <b>234</b> into meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear <b>230</b> (against the bias of the drive system spring <b>235</b>). In addition, the bailout locking yoke <b>396</b> includes a bailout drive shaft notch <b>397</b> that is configured to receive a portion of the bailout drive shaft <b>340</b> therein when the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is installed or positioned in the closed position. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 10</figref>, the bailout locking yoke <b>396</b> also serves to bias the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> out of meshing engagement with the bailout driven gear <b>350</b> (against the bias of the bailout shaft spring <b>348</b>). Thus, the bailout locking yoke <b>396</b> prevents the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> from interfering with rotation of the system drive shaft <b>232</b> when the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is installed or in the closed position. In addition, the bailout locking yoke <b>396</b> includes a handle notch <b>398</b> for engaging the bailout handle <b>370</b> and retaining it in the stored position SP.

0300<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4, 5 and 10</figref> illustrate the configurations of the drive system components and the bailout system components when the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is installed or is in the closed position. As can be seen in those Figures, the drive system locking member <b>392</b> biases the driven bevel gear <b>234</b> into meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear <b>230</b>. Thus, when the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is installed or is in the closed position, actuation of the motor <b>200</b> will result in the rotation of the driver bevel gear <b>230</b> and ultimately the system drive shaft <b>232</b>. Also, when in that position, the bailout locking yoke <b>396</b> serves to bias the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> out of meshing engagement with the bailout driven gear <b>350</b> on the system drive shaft <b>232</b>. Thus, when the bailout access panel <b>390</b> is installed or is in the closed position, the drive system is actuatable by the motor <b>200</b> and the bailout system <b>330</b> is disconnected or prevented from applying any actuation motion to the system drive shaft <b>232</b>. To activate the bailout system <b>330</b>, the clinician first removes the bailout access panel <b>390</b> or otherwise moves the bailout access panel <b>390</b> to the open position. This action removes the drive system locking member <b>392</b> from engagement with the driven bevel gear <b>234</b> which thereby permits the drive system spring <b>235</b> to bias the driven bevel gear <b>234</b> out of meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear <b>230</b>. In addition, removal of the bailout access panel <b>390</b> or movement of the bailout access panel to an open position also results in the disengagement of the bailout locking yoke <b>396</b> with the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> which thereby permits the bailout shaft spring <b>348</b> to bias the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> into meshing engagement with the bailout driven gear <b>350</b> on the system drive shaft <b>232</b>. Thus, rotation of the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> will result in rotation of the bailout driven gear <b>350</b> and the system drive shaft <b>232</b>. Removal of the bailout access panel <b>390</b> or otherwise movement of the bailout access panel <b>390</b> to an open position also permits the handle spring <b>376</b> to bias the bailout handle <b>370</b> into the actuation position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11 and 14</figref>. When in that position, the clinician can manually ratchet the bailout handle <b>370</b> in the ratchet directions RD which results in the rotation of the of the ratchet bevel gear <b>364</b> (in a clockwise direction in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, for example) which ultimately results in the application of a retraction rotary motion to the system drive shaft <b>232</b> through the bailout drive train <b>332</b>. The clinician may ratchet the bailout handle <b>370</b> a number of times until the system drive shaft <b>232</b> has been sufficiently rotated a number of times to retract a component of the surgical end effector portion of the surgical tool assembly that is attached to the handle assembly <b>20</b>. Once the bailout system <b>330</b> has been sufficiently manually actuated, the clinician may then replace the bailout access panel <b>390</b> (i.e., return the bailout access panel <b>390</b> to the closed position) to thereby cause the drive system locking member <b>392</b> to bias the driven bevel gear <b>234</b> into meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear <b>230</b> and the bailout locking yoke <b>396</b> to bias the bailout drive gear <b>342</b> out of meshing engagement with the bailout driven gear <b>350</b>. As was discussed above, should power be lost or interrupted, the shifter spring <b>266</b> will bias the shifter solenoid <b>260</b> into the first actuation position. As such, actuation of the bailout system <b>330</b> will result in the application of reversing or retraction motions to the first rotary drive system <b>300</b>.

0301As discussed above, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a manually-actuated bailout system configured to retract a staple firing drive, for example. In many instances, the bailout system may need to be operated and/or cranked more than one time to fully retract the staple firing drive. In such instances, the user of the stapling instrument may lose track of how many times they have cranked the bailout and/or otherwise become confused as to how much further the firing drive needs to be retracted. Various embodiments are envisioned in which the stapling instrument comprises a system configured to detect the position of a firing member of the firing drive, determine the distance in which the firing member needs to be retracted, and display that distance to the user of the surgical instrument.

0302In at least one embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument comprises one or more sensors configured to detect the position of the firing member. In at least one instance, the sensors comprise Hall Effect sensors, for example, and can be positioned in a shaft and/or end effector of the stapling instrument. The sensors are in signal communication with a controller of the surgical stapling instrument which is, in turn, in signal communication with a display on the surgical stapling instrument. The controller comprises a microprocessor configured to compare the actual position of the firing member to a datum, or reference, position—which comprises a fully retracted position of the firing member—and calculate the distance, i.e., the remaining distance, between the actual position of the firing member and the reference position.

0303Further to the above, the display comprises an electronic display, for example, and the controller is configured to display the remaining distance on the electronic display in any suitable manner. In at least one instance, the controller displays a progress bar on the display. In such instances, an empty progress bar can represent that the firing member is at the end of its firing stroke and a full progress bar can represent that the firing member has been fully retracted, for example. In at least one instance, 0% can represent that the firing member is at the end of its firing stroke and 100% can represent that the firing member has been fully retracted, for example. In certain instances, the controller is configured to display how many actuations of the bailout mechanism are required to retract the firing member to its fully retracted position on the display.

0304Further to the above, the actuation of the bailout mechanism can operably disconnect a battery, or power source, of the surgical stapling instrument from an electric motor of the firing drive. In at least one embodiment, the actuation of the bailout mechanism flips a switch which electrically decouples the battery from the electric motor. Such a system would prevent the electric motor from resisting the manual retraction of the firing member.

0305The illustrated handle assembly <b>20</b> also supports a third axial drive system that is generally designated as <b>400</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, the third axial drive system <b>400</b>, in at least one form, comprises a solenoid <b>402</b> that has a third drive actuator member or rod <b>410</b> protruding therefrom. The distal end <b>412</b> of the third drive actuator member <b>410</b> has a third drive cradle or socket <b>414</b> formed therein for receiving a corresponding portion of a drive system component of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is operably attached thereto. The solenoid <b>402</b> is wired to or otherwise communicates with the handle circuit board assembly <b>220</b> and the control system or CPU <b>224</b>. In at least one arrangement, the solenoid <b>402</b> is “spring loaded” such that when the solenoid <b>402</b> is unactuated, the spring component thereof biases the third drive actuator <b>410</b> back to an unactuated starting position.

0306As indicated above, the reconfigurable handle assembly <b>20</b> may be advantageously employed to actuate a variety of different interchangeable surgical tool assemblies. To that end, the handle assembly <b>20</b> includes a tool mounting portion that is generally designated as <b>500</b> for operably coupling an interchangeable surgical tool assembly thereto. In the illustrated example, the tool mounting portion <b>500</b> includes two inwardly facing dovetail receiving slots <b>502</b> that are configured to engage corresponding portions of a tool attachment module portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly. Each dovetail receiving slot <b>502</b> may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped. The dovetail receiving slots <b>502</b> are configured to releasably receive corresponding tapered attachment or lug portions that are formed on a portion of the tool attachment nozzle portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly. Each interchangeable surgical tool assembly may also be equipped with a latching system that is configured to releasable engage corresponding retention pockets <b>504</b> that are formed in the tool mounting portion <b>500</b> of the handle assembly <b>20</b>.

0307The various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies may have a “primary” rotary drive system that is configured to be operably coupled to or interface with the first rotary drive system <b>310</b> as well as a “secondary” rotary drive system that is configured to be operably coupled to or interface with the second rotary drive system <b>320</b>. The primary and secondary rotary drive systems may be configured to provide various rotary motions to portions of the particular type of surgical end effector that comprises a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly. To facilitate operable coupling of the primary rotary drive system to the first rotary drive system and the secondary drive system to the second rotary drive system <b>320</b>, the tool mounting portion <b>500</b> of the handle assembly <b>20</b> also includes a pair of insertion ramps <b>506</b> that are configured to bias portions of the primary and secondary rotary drive systems of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly distally during the coupling process so as to facilitate alignment and operable coupling of the primary rotary drive system to the first rotary drive system <b>300</b> on the handle assembly <b>20</b> and the secondary rotary drive system to the second rotary drive system <b>320</b> on the handle assembly <b>20</b>.

0308The interchangeable surgical tool assembly may also include a “tertiary” axial drive system for applying axial motion(s) to corresponding portions of the surgical end effector of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly. To facilitate operable coupling of the tertiary axial drive system to the third axial drive system <b>400</b> on the handle assembly <b>20</b>, the third drive actuator member <b>410</b> is provided with a socket <b>414</b> that is configured to operably receive a lug or other portion of the tertiary axial drive system therein.

0309An interchangeable tool assembly <b>2000</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>. The interchangeable tool assembly <b>2000</b> is similar to the interchangeable tool assembly <b>1000</b> in many respects, but is different than the interchangeable tool assembly <b>1000</b> in certain other respects. For instance, the interchangeable assembly <b>2000</b> is a circular stapling assembly. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref>, the circular stapling assembly <b>2000</b> comprises a shaft portion <b>2100</b> and an end effector <b>2200</b>. The shaft portion <b>2100</b> comprises a proximal portion which is releasably attachable to the handle assembly <b>20</b>, for example. The end effector <b>2200</b> comprises a first portion <b>2210</b> rotatably attached to the shaft portion <b>2100</b> about an articulation joint <b>2300</b>. The end effector <b>2200</b> further comprises a second portion <b>2220</b> releasably attached to the first portion <b>2210</b>. The second portion <b>2220</b> comprises a cartridge portion <b>2222</b> including an annular array of staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined therein and a staple stored in each staple cavity <b>2224</b>. The second portion <b>2220</b> further comprises an anvil <b>2230</b> including a tissue compression surface <b>2232</b> and an annular array of forming pockets or forming pockets <b>2234</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>) registered with the staple cavities <b>2224</b> which are configured to deform the staples when the staples are ejected from the staple cavities <b>2224</b>.

0310Further to the above, referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref>, the second portion <b>2220</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b> is selectively attachable to and selectively detachable from the first portion <b>2210</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b>. The second portion <b>2220</b> comprises an outer housing <b>2227</b> including a proximal connector <b>2229</b> which is configured to be received within an aperture, or chamber, <b>2218</b> defined in a housing <b>2217</b> of the first portion <b>2210</b>. The fit between the connector <b>2229</b> of the housing <b>2227</b> and the housing <b>2217</b> of the first portion <b>2210</b> is snug. A compression fit between the connector <b>2229</b> and the housing <b>2217</b> can prevent the second portion <b>2220</b> from being accidentally displaced longitudinally and/or rotationally relative to the first portion <b>2210</b>. In various instances, a detent member can be utilized to releasably secure the second portion <b>2220</b> to the first portion <b>2210</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b>.

0311Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 35-38</figref>, the second portion <b>2220</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b> is interchangeable with other second portions such as a second portion <b>2220</b>′, a second portion <b>2220</b>″, a second portion <b>2220</b>′″, and/or another second portion <b>2220</b>, for example. The second portions <b>2220</b>′, <b>2220</b>″, and <b>2220</b>′″ are similar to the second portion <b>2220</b> in many respects. For instance, each second portion <b>2220</b>, <b>2220</b>′, <b>2220</b>″, and <b>2220</b>′″ includes a central aperture <b>2226</b> defined therein. That said, the second portions <b>2220</b>′, <b>2220</b>″, and <b>2220</b>′″ are different than the second portion <b>2220</b> in other respects. For instance, the second portion <b>2220</b>′ has a larger diameter than the second portion <b>2220</b>. Moreover, the annular array of staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>′ has a larger circumference than the annular array of staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>. Similarly, the second portion <b>2220</b>″ has a larger diameter than the second portion <b>2220</b>′ and the annular array of staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>″ has a larger circumference than the annular array of staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>′. Also, similarly, the second portion <b>2220</b>′″ has a larger diameter than the second portion <b>2220</b>″ and the annular array of staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>′″ has a larger circumference than the annular array of staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>″.

0312Further to the above, the anvil <b>2230</b> is interchangeable with other anvils such as an anvil <b>2230</b>′, an anvil <b>2230</b>″, an anvil <b>2230</b>′″, and/or another anvil <b>2230</b>, for example. The anvils <b>2230</b>′, <b>2230</b>″, and <b>2230</b>′″ are similar to the anvil <b>2230</b> in many respects. For instance, each anvil <b>2230</b>, <b>2230</b>′, <b>2230</b>″, and <b>2230</b>′″ comprises a longitudinal shaft <b>2236</b> including connecting flanges <b>2238</b>. That said, the anvils <b>2230</b>′, <b>2230</b>″, and <b>2230</b>′″ are different than the anvil <b>2230</b> in other respects. For instance, the anvil <b>2230</b>′ has a larger diameter than the anvil <b>2230</b>. Moreover, the annular array of the forming pockets <b>2234</b> defined in the anvil <b>2230</b>′ has a larger circumference than the annular array of forming pockets <b>2234</b> defined in the anvil <b>2230</b> such that the forming pockets <b>2234</b> remain registered with the staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>′. Similarly, the anvil <b>2230</b>″ has a larger diameter than the anvil <b>2230</b>′ and the annular array of forming pockets <b>2234</b> defined in the anvil <b>2230</b>″ has a larger circumference than the annular array of forming pockets <b>2234</b> defined in the anvil <b>2230</b>′ such that the forming pockets <b>2234</b> remain registered with the staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>″. Also, similarly, the anvil <b>2230</b>″″ has a larger diameter than the anvil <b>2230</b>″ and the annular array of forming pockets <b>2234</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>″″ has a larger circumference than the annular array of forming pockets <b>2234</b> defined in the anvil <b>2230</b>″ such that the forming pockets <b>2234</b> remain registered with the staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the second portion <b>2220</b>′″.

0313Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the shaft portion <b>2100</b> comprises a proximal connector <b>2120</b> and an elongate shaft portion <b>2110</b> extending distally from the proximal connector <b>2120</b>. The proximal connector <b>2120</b> comprises a first input <b>2318</b> and a second input <b>2418</b>. The first input <b>2318</b> is operably connected to an end effector articulation system and the second input <b>2418</b> is operably connected to an end effector clamping and staple firing system. The first input <b>2318</b> and the second input <b>2418</b> can be operated in any suitable order. For instance, the first input <b>2318</b> can be rotated in a first direction to articulate the end effector <b>2200</b> in a first direction and, correspondingly, rotated in a second direction to articulate the end effector <b>2200</b> in a second direction. Once the end effector <b>2200</b> has been suitably articulated, the second input <b>2428</b> can then be rotated to close the anvil <b>2230</b> and clamp tissue against the cartridge portion <b>2222</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b>. As discussed in greater detail further below, the second input <b>2428</b> can then be operated to fire the staples from the staple cavities <b>2224</b> and incise tissue captured within the end effector <b>2200</b>. In various alternative embodiments, the first input <b>2318</b> and the second input <b>2328</b> can be operated in any suitable order and/or at the same time.

0314The first input <b>2318</b> is mounted to a proximal end of an articulation shaft <b>2310</b> which is rotatably mounted in the shaft portion <b>2010</b>. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20 and 21</figref>, the rotatable articulation shaft <b>2310</b> comprises a distal end and a worm gear <b>2312</b> mounted to the distal end. The worm gear <b>2312</b> is threadably engaged with an articulation slide <b>2320</b>. More specifically, the articulation slide <b>2320</b> comprises a threaded aperture <b>2322</b> defined therein and the worm gear <b>2312</b> is threadably mated with the threaded aperture <b>2322</b>. When the articulation shaft <b>2310</b> is rotated in a first direction, the worm gear <b>2312</b> pushes the articulation slide <b>2320</b> distally (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>). When the articulation shaft <b>2310</b> is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction, the worm gear <b>2312</b> pulls the articulation slide <b>2320</b> proximally (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>). The articulation slide <b>2320</b> is slidably supported by an articulation block <b>2112</b> fixedly mounted in the distal end of the elongate shaft portion <b>2110</b>. The movement of the articulation slide <b>2320</b> is limited to proximal and distal movement by the articulation block <b>2112</b> by a guide slot <b>2315</b> defined in the articulation block <b>2112</b>. The articulation slide <b>2320</b> further comprises a longitudinal key <b>2326</b> extending therefrom which is closely received in a longitudinal keyway <b>2116</b> defined in the bottom of the guide slot <b>2315</b> which limits the relative movement between the articulation slide <b>2320</b> and the articulation block <b>2112</b> to a longitudinal path.

0315Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20, 21, and 24</figref>, the articulation slide <b>2320</b> is coupled to an articulation link <b>2330</b>. The articulation slide <b>2320</b> comprises a drive pin <b>2324</b> extending therefrom which is positioned within a proximal aperture <b>2334</b> defined in the articulation link <b>2330</b>. The drive pin <b>2324</b> is closely received within the aperture <b>2334</b> such that the drive pin <b>2324</b> and the sidewalls of the aperture <b>2334</b> co-operate to define an axis of rotation between the articulation slide <b>2320</b> and the articulation link <b>2330</b>. The articulation link <b>2330</b> is also coupled to the housing <b>2217</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b>. More specifically, the articulation link <b>2330</b> further comprises a distal aperture <b>2335</b> defined therein and the housing <b>2217</b> comprises a pin <b>2215</b> positioned in the distal aperture <b>2335</b>. The pin <b>2215</b> is closely received within the aperture <b>2335</b> such that the pin <b>2215</b> and the sidewalls of the aperture <b>2335</b> co-operate to define an axis of rotation between the articulation link <b>2330</b> and the housing <b>2217</b>.

0316Further to the above, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18-21 and 24</figref>, the end effector <b>2200</b> is rotatably coupled to the articulation block <b>2112</b> of the shaft <b>2100</b> about the articulation joint <b>2300</b>. The housing <b>2217</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b> comprises apertures <b>2213</b> defined in opposite sides thereof and the articulation block <b>2112</b> comprises projections <b>2113</b> extending from opposite sides thereof which are positioned in the apertures <b>2213</b>. The projections <b>2113</b> are closely received within the apertures <b>2213</b> such that the projections <b>2113</b> and the sidewalls of the apertures <b>2213</b> co-operate to define an articulation axis about which the end effector <b>2200</b> can be articulated. When the articulation shaft <b>2310</b> is rotated to drive the articulation slide <b>2320</b> distally, the articulation slide <b>2320</b> drives the proximal end of the articulation link <b>2330</b> distally. In response to the distal movement of the proximal end of the articulation link <b>2330</b>, the articulation link <b>2330</b> rotates about the drive pin <b>2324</b> which rotates the end effector <b>2200</b> about the articulation joint <b>2300</b>. When the articulation input <b>2310</b> is rotated to drive the articulation slide <b>2320</b> proximally, similar to the above, the articulation slide <b>2320</b> pulls the proximal end of the articulation link <b>2330</b> proximally. In response to the proximal movement of the proximal end of the articulation link <b>2330</b>, the articulation link <b>2330</b> rotates about the drive pin <b>2324</b> which rotates the end effector <b>2200</b> about the articulation joint <b>2300</b>. The articulation link <b>2330</b> provides at least one degree of freedom between the articulation slide <b>2320</b> and the housing <b>2217</b>. As a result, the articulation link <b>2330</b> permits the end effector <b>2200</b> to be articulated through a wide range of articulation angles.

0317As discussed above, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17 and 25</figref>, the proximal connector <b>2120</b> of the interchangeable tool assembly <b>2000</b> comprises a second input <b>2418</b>. The second input <b>2418</b> comprises a drive gear <b>2417</b> which is meshingly engaged with a drive gear <b>2416</b> mounted on a proximal end of a drive shaft <b>2410</b>. The drive shaft <b>2410</b> extends through the shaft portion <b>2110</b> and an aperture <b>2114</b> defined in the articulation block <b>2112</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>. The aperture <b>2114</b> comprises a bearing and rotatably supports the drive shaft <b>2410</b>. Alternatively, the aperture <b>2114</b> can comprise a clearance aperture. In either event, referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, the drive shaft <b>2410</b> extends through the articulation joint <b>2300</b> and into the chamber <b>2218</b> defined in the end effector housing <b>2217</b>. The drive shaft <b>2410</b> is rotatably supported by a bearing <b>2414</b> mounted to the drive shaft <b>2410</b> which is captured within a recess <b>2214</b> defined in the housing <b>2217</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b>. The drive shaft <b>2410</b> further comprises an output gear <b>2412</b> mounted to the distal end thereof such that the rotation of the drive shaft <b>2410</b> is transmitted to the output gear <b>2412</b>.

0318Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18, 22, and 23</figref>, the output gear <b>2412</b> of the drive shaft <b>2410</b> is operably engaged with a transmission <b>2420</b>. As discussed in greater detail below, the transmission <b>2420</b> is configured to shift the end effector <b>2200</b> between a first operating mode in which the drive shaft <b>2410</b> moves the anvil <b>2230</b> relative to the cartridge body <b>2222</b> and a second operating mode in which the drive shaft <b>2410</b> fires the staples from the staple cavities <b>2224</b> and incises the tissue captured between the anvil <b>2230</b> and the cartridge body <b>2222</b>. The transmission <b>2420</b> comprises an orbit drive comprising a planetary plate <b>2421</b> and four planetary gears <b>2424</b> rotatably mounted to the planetary plate <b>2421</b>. The planetary plate <b>2421</b> comprises a clearance aperture extending through the center thereof and the drive shaft <b>2410</b> extends through the clearance aperture. The planetary plate <b>2421</b> and the planetary gears <b>2424</b> are positioned in a chamber <b>2219</b> defined in the end effector housing <b>2217</b>. Each planetary gear <b>2424</b> is rotatable about a gear pin <b>2423</b> extending from the planetary plate <b>2421</b>. The gear pins <b>2423</b> are positioned along a circumference surrounding the clearance aperture. The output gear <b>2412</b> is meshingly engaged with the planetary gears <b>2424</b> and, as described in greater detail below, the drive shaft <b>2410</b> drives the planetary gears <b>2424</b>.

0319Further to the above, the drive shaft <b>2410</b> extends trough the articulation joint <b>2300</b>. In order for the output gear <b>2412</b> to remain properly engaged with the planetary gears <b>2424</b> when the end effector <b>2200</b> is articulated, the drive shaft <b>2410</b> is flexible. In at least one instance, the drive shaft <b>2410</b> is comprised of plastic, for example.

0320As discussed above, the transmission <b>2420</b> comprises a first operating mode and a second operating mode. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23 and 28</figref>, the interchangeable tool assembly <b>2000</b> further comprises a shifter <b>2600</b> movable between a first position and a second position to switch the transmission <b>2420</b> between its first operating mode and its second operating mode. When the shifter <b>2600</b> is in its first position, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 28-30</figref>, the shifter <b>2600</b> is not engaged with the planetary plate <b>2421</b> of the transmission <b>2420</b> and, as a result, the planetary plate <b>2421</b> and the planetary gears <b>2424</b> are rotated by the drive shaft <b>2410</b>. More specifically, the drive shaft <b>2410</b> rotates the planetary gears <b>2424</b> about their respective gear pins <b>2423</b> and the planetary gears <b>2424</b> rotate the planetary plate <b>2421</b> owing to reactionary forces between the planetary gears <b>2424</b> and an annular ring of teeth <b>2534</b> which extends around the planetary gears <b>2424</b>, as described in greater detail further below. The planetary plate <b>2421</b> is operably coupled with an output coupling <b>2430</b> such that the rotation of the planetary plate <b>2421</b> is transmitted to the output coupling <b>2430</b>. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the output coupling <b>2430</b> comprises an array of apertures <b>2433</b> extending around the outer perimeter thereof wherein the gear pins <b>2423</b> extending from the planetary plate <b>2421</b> extend into, and are closely received by, the apertures <b>2433</b> defined in the output coupling <b>2430</b> such that there is little, if any, relative movement between the planetary plate <b>2421</b> and the output coupling <b>2430</b>.

0321Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18 and 23</figref>, the output coupling <b>2430</b> comprises a drive socket <b>2432</b>. The drive socket <b>2432</b> comprises a substantially hexagonal aperture, for example; however, any suitable configuration could be utilized. The drive socket <b>2432</b> is configured to receive a closure shaft <b>2440</b> extending through the second portion <b>2220</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b>. The closure shaft <b>2440</b> comprises a proximal drive end <b>2442</b> which has a substantially-hexagonal shape that is closely received within the drive socket <b>2432</b> such that the rotation of the drive shaft <b>2410</b> is transferrable to the closure shaft <b>2440</b>. The closure shaft <b>2440</b> is rotatably supported within the housing <b>2227</b> of the second portion <b>2220</b> by a bearing <b>2444</b>. The bearing <b>2444</b> comprises a thrust bearing, for example; however, the bearing <b>2444</b> may comprise any suitable bearing.

0322Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23 and 28-30</figref>, the closure shaft <b>2440</b> comprises a threaded portion <b>2446</b> that is threadably engaged with a threaded aperture <b>2456</b> defined in a trocar <b>2450</b>. As discussed in greater detail further below, the anvil <b>2230</b> is attachable to the trocar <b>2450</b> which can be translated to move the anvil <b>2230</b> toward and/or away from the cartridge body <b>2222</b>. Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, the trocar <b>2450</b> comprises at least one longitudinal key slot <b>2459</b> defined therein which is configured to co-operate with at least one longitudinal key extending from an inner surface <b>2546</b> of the drive sleeve <b>2540</b>. The drive sleeve <b>2540</b> is part of the staple firing system, discussed further below, and the reader should understand that the trocar <b>2450</b> and the drive sleeve <b>2540</b>, one, slide relative to one another, and, two, co-operatively inhibit relative rotational movement therebetween. Owing to the threaded engagement between the closure shaft <b>2440</b> and the trocar <b>2450</b>, the closure shaft <b>2440</b> can displace, or translate, the trocar <b>2450</b> distally when the closure shaft <b>2440</b> is rotated in a first direction and, correspondingly, displace, or translate, the trocar <b>2450</b> proximally when the closure shaft <b>2440</b> is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction.

0323As discussed above, the anvil <b>2230</b> is attachable to the trocar <b>2450</b>. The anvil <b>2230</b> comprises connecting flanges <b>2238</b> which are configured to engage and grip the trocar <b>2450</b>. The connecting flanges <b>2238</b> comprise cantilever beams which are connected to the shaft portion <b>2236</b> of the anvil <b>2230</b>. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the trocar <b>2450</b> comprises retention notches, or recesses, <b>2458</b> which are configured to releasably receive the connecting flanges <b>2238</b> when the anvil <b>2230</b> is assembled to the trocar <b>2450</b>. The retention notches <b>2458</b> and the connecting flanges <b>2238</b> are configured to resist the inadvertent detachment of the anvil <b>2230</b> from the trocar <b>2450</b>. The connecting flanges <b>2238</b> are separated by longitudinal slots <b>2237</b>. The longitudinal slots <b>2237</b> are configured to receive longitudinal ribs <b>2457</b> extending from the trocar <b>2450</b> when the anvil <b>2230</b> is assembled to the trocar <b>2450</b>. The ribs <b>2457</b> are closely received within the slots <b>2237</b> and, as a result, the anvil <b>2230</b> is inhibited from rotating relative to the trocar <b>2450</b>.

0324Once the anvil <b>2230</b> has been suitably positioned relative to the cartridge portion <b>2222</b>, as discussed above, the tool assembly <b>2000</b> can be shifted into its second operating mode. The shifter <b>2600</b> comprises an electrically-actuated motor, for example, which is utilized to shift the transmission <b>2420</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b>. In various other embodiments, the shifter <b>2600</b> can comprise any suitable device which is electrically and/or manually actuated. The shifter <b>2600</b> is in signal communication with a processor of the surgical stapling instrument and in power communication with a battery of the surgical stapling instrument. In various instances, insulated electrical wires, for example, extend between the shifter <b>2600</b> and a handle of the surgical instrument such that the processor can communicate with the shifter <b>2600</b> and the battery can supply power to the shifter <b>2600</b>. In various other instances, the shifter <b>2600</b> can comprise a wireless signal receiver and the processor can communicate wirelessly with the shifter <b>2600</b>. In certain instances, power can be supplied wirelessly to the shifter <b>2600</b>, such as through an inductive circuit, for example. In various instances, the shifter <b>2600</b> can comprise its own power source.

0325The shifter <b>2600</b> comprises a housing mounted in the chamber <b>2218</b> defined in the proximal end of the end effector <b>2200</b>. The shifter <b>2600</b> comprises a clutch key, or toggle, <b>2602</b> and an output shaft <b>2604</b> movable between a first position and a second position relative to the shifter housing. The clutch key <b>2602</b> comprises a first lock tooth <b>2608</b> and a second lock tooth <b>2609</b> and, when the clutch key <b>2602</b> is in its first position, the first lock tooth <b>2608</b> is engaged with a firing tube <b>2530</b> of the staple firing system and, concurrently, the second lock tooth <b>2609</b> is disengaged from the planetary plate <b>2421</b> of the transmission <b>2420</b>. More specifically, the first lock tooth <b>2608</b> is positioned in an aperture <b>2538</b>, which is part of an annular array of apertures <b>2538</b> defined around the firing tube <b>2530</b>, and the second lock tooth <b>2609</b> is not positioned in an aperture <b>2429</b>, which is part of an annular array of apertures <b>2429</b> defined around the planetary plate <b>2421</b>. As a result of the above, the shifter <b>2600</b> prevents the firing tube <b>2530</b> from rotating and, accordingly, locks out the staple firing system when the clutch key <b>2602</b> is in its first position. Although the staple firing system has been locked out by the shifter <b>2600</b> when the clutch key <b>2602</b> is in its first position, the drive shaft <b>2410</b> can rotate the planetary plate <b>2421</b> and operate the anvil closure system, as discussed above.

0326As illustrated primarily in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the firing tube <b>2530</b> comprises an inner annular rack of teeth <b>2534</b> defined in an inner sidewall <b>2532</b> thereof. The planetary gears <b>2424</b> are operably intermeshed with the rack of teeth <b>2534</b>. When the shifter <b>2600</b> is in its first position, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>, the firing tube <b>2530</b> is held in position by the shifter <b>2600</b> and the planetary gears <b>2424</b> are rotatable relative to the firing tube <b>2530</b> and the rack of teeth <b>2534</b> by the drive shaft <b>2410</b>. In such instances, the planetary gears <b>2424</b> are rotated about a longitudinal drive axis defined by the drive shaft <b>2410</b> and, at the same time, rotated about axes defined by their respective gear pins <b>2423</b>. The reader should appreciate that the planetary gears <b>2424</b> are directly driven by the drive shaft <b>2410</b> and, owing to reactionary forces created between the planetary gears <b>2424</b> and the firing tube <b>2530</b>, the planetary gears <b>2424</b> drive and rotate the planetary plate <b>2421</b>. When the shifter <b>2600</b> is actuated to move the clutch key <b>2602</b> into its second position, the first lock tooth <b>2608</b> is disengaged from the firing tube <b>2530</b> and, concurrently, the second lock tooth <b>2609</b> is engaged with the planetary plate <b>2421</b>. The planetary plate <b>2421</b> is held in position by the shifter <b>2600</b> when the clutch key <b>2602</b> is in its second position and, as a result, the closure drive has been locked out and cannot be operated to move the anvil <b>2230</b>. When the drive shaft <b>2410</b> is rotated in such instances, the output gear <b>2412</b> drives and rotates the planetary gears <b>2424</b> relative to the planetary plate <b>2421</b> about their respective gear pins <b>2423</b>. The planetary gears <b>2424</b> drive the firing tube <b>2530</b> via the rack of teeth <b>2534</b> and rotate the firing tube <b>2530</b> about its longitudinal axis.

0327Further to the above, and referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the firing tube <b>2530</b> is operably coupled with the drive sleeve <b>2540</b> of the staple firing system. More specifically, the inner sidewall <b>2532</b> of the firing tube <b>2530</b> comprises longitudinal slots <b>2535</b> defined therein which are configured to closely receive longitudinal ribs <b>2545</b> defined on the drive sleeve <b>2540</b> such that the drive sleeve <b>2540</b> rotates with the firing tube <b>2530</b>. The drive sleeve <b>2540</b> further comprises a threaded distal end <b>2542</b> which is threadably engaged with a drive collar <b>2550</b>. More specifically, the drive collar <b>2550</b> comprises a threaded aperture <b>2552</b> which is threadably engaged with the threaded distal end <b>2542</b>. The drive collar <b>2550</b> is positioned in an aperture <b>2228</b> defined in the housing of the end effector <b>2200</b> and is prevented from rotating within the aperture <b>2228</b> by a longitudinal rib and groove arrangement, for example. As a result of the above, the rotation of the drive sleeve <b>2540</b> translates the drive collar <b>2550</b> longitudinally. For instance, the drive collar <b>2550</b> is advanced distally if the drive sleeve <b>2540</b> is rotated in a first direction and retracted proximally if the drive sleeve <b>2540</b> is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction.

0328When the drive collar <b>2550</b> is pushed distally, as discussed above, the drive collar <b>2550</b> pushes a staple driver block <b>2560</b> and a cutting member <b>2570</b>, such as a knife, for example, distally during a firing stroke of the staple firing system. More specifically, the drive collar <b>2550</b> pushes the staple driver block <b>2560</b> and the cutting member <b>2570</b> between a proximal, unfired position in which the staples are positioned in the staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the cartridge body portion <b>2222</b> and the cutting member <b>2570</b> is recessed below the deck surface of the cartridge body portion <b>2222</b> and a distal, fired position in which the staples have been deformed against the anvil <b>2230</b> and the tissue captured between the anvil <b>2230</b> and the cartridge body portion <b>2222</b> has been transected by the cutting member <b>2570</b>. The drive collar <b>2550</b> comprises a drive recess <b>2554</b> which is configured to abut the staple driver block <b>2560</b> and the cutting member <b>2570</b> as the drive collar <b>2550</b> is advanced distally. The staple driver block <b>2560</b> comprises a plurality of staple cradles defined therein wherein each staple cradle is configured to support the base of a staple. The staple cradles are aligned with the staple cavities <b>2224</b> defined in the cartridge body portion <b>2222</b> and are arranged in at least two concentric rows.

0329The staple driver block <b>2560</b> and the cutting member <b>2570</b> are attached to the drive collar <b>2550</b> such that, when the drive collar <b>2550</b> is moved proximally away from the anvil <b>2230</b>, the staple driver block <b>2560</b> and the cutting member <b>2570</b> are pulled proximally by the drive collar <b>2550</b>. In at least one instance, the staple driver block <b>2560</b> and the cutting member <b>2570</b> comprise one or more hooks which extend into apertures <b>2557</b> defined in the drive collar <b>2550</b>. In various instances, the staple driver block <b>2560</b> and the cutting member <b>2570</b> can be retracted such that they are completely retracted below the deck surface of the cartridge body portion <b>2222</b>.

0330Further to the above, the end effector <b>2200</b> is operable in a third operating mode in which the clutch key <b>2602</b> of the shifter <b>2600</b> is operably engaged with the anvil closure system and the staple firing system at the same time. In this operating mode, the first lock tooth <b>2608</b> is engaged with the firing tube <b>2530</b> of the staple firing system and the second lock tooth <b>2609</b> is engaged with the planetary plate <b>2421</b> of the transmission <b>2420</b>. In such instances, the first lock tooth <b>2608</b> is positioned in an aperture <b>2538</b> defined in the firing tube <b>2530</b> and the second lock tooth <b>2609</b> is positioned in an aperture <b>2429</b> defined in the planetary plate <b>2421</b>. As a result of the above, the drive shaft <b>2410</b> moves the anvil <b>2230</b>, the staple driver block <b>2560</b>, and the cutting member <b>2570</b> relative to the cartridge body <b>2222</b> at the same time.

0331Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the user of the interchangeable tool assembly <b>2000</b> can select from a kit of second portions <b>2220</b>, <b>2220</b>′, <b>2220</b>″, <b>2220</b>′″ and/or any other suitable second portion and assembly the selected second portion to the first portion <b>2210</b> of the end effector <b>2200</b>. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, each second portion comprises a housing connector <b>2229</b> which engages the housing <b>2217</b> of the first portion <b>2210</b> when the second portion is assembled to the first portion <b>2210</b>. In addition, each second portion comprises a closure shaft <b>2440</b> which operably engages the drive socket <b>2432</b> of the first portion <b>2210</b> when the second portion is assembled to the first portion <b>2210</b>. Moreover, each second portion comprises a drive sleeve <b>2540</b> which operably engages the firing tube <b>2530</b> of the first portion <b>2210</b> when the second portion is assembled to the first portion <b>2210</b>.

0332Further to the above, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 35 and 36</figref>, a tool assembly <b>2000</b>′ is interchangeable with the tool assembly <b>2000</b>. The tool assembly <b>2000</b>′ is similar to the tool assembly <b>2000</b> in many respects; however, the tool assembly <b>2000</b>′ is configured to apply circular staple lines having larger diameters than the circular staple lines applied by the tool assembly <b>2000</b>. The tool assembly <b>2000</b>′ comprises, among other things, a wider second portion <b>2220</b>′, staple driver <b>2560</b>′, knife assembly <b>2570</b>′, cartridge body <b>2222</b>′, and anvil <b>2230</b>′. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref>, a tool assembly <b>2000</b>″ is interchangeable with the tool assembly <b>2000</b>. The tool assembly <b>2000</b>″ is similar to the tool assemblies <b>2000</b> and <b>2000</b>′ in many respects; however, the tool assembly <b>2000</b>″ is configured to apply circular staple lines having larger diameters than the circular staple lines applied by the tool assembly <b>2000</b>′. The tool assembly <b>2000</b>″ comprises, among other things, a wider second portion <b>2220</b>″, staple driver <b>2560</b>″, knife assembly <b>2570</b>″, cartridge body <b>2222</b>″, and anvil <b>2230</b>″. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38</figref>, a tool assembly <b>2000</b>′″ is interchangeable with the tool assembly <b>2000</b>. The tool assembly <b>2000</b>″ is similar to the tool assemblies <b>2000</b>, <b>2000</b>′, and <b>2000</b>″ in many respects; however, the tool assembly <b>2000</b>′″ is configured to apply circular staple lines having larger diameters than the circular staple lines applied by the tool assembly <b>2000</b>″. The tool assembly <b>2000</b>′″ comprises, among other things, a wider second portion <b>2220</b>′″, staple driver <b>2560</b>′″, knife assembly <b>2570</b>′″, cartridge body <b>2222</b>′″, and anvil <b>2230</b>″.

0333In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical instrument can have any suitable number of operating modes. In at least one embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument comprises a transmission which includes a first operating mode which fires the staples, a second operating mode which deploys the cutting member, and a third operating mode which both fires the staples and deploys the cutting member at the same time. In the first operating mode, the cutting member is not deployed. Moreover, the processor of such a surgical instrument can be programmed such that the instrument cannot be placed in the second operating mode without having first completed the first operating mode. As a result of the above, the user of the surgical instrument can decide whether or not to cut the tissue after the staples have been fired.

0334An alternative embodiment of a staple cartridge body for use with a surgical stapler is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref>. A cartridge body <b>2222</b>′ comprises an annular outer row of staple cavities <b>2224</b> and an annular inner row of staple cavities <b>2224</b>′. The staple cavities <b>2224</b> are defined in a first step of the cartridge body deck and the staple cavities <b>2224</b>′ are defined in a second step of the cartridge body deck. The second step extends above the first step. Stated another way, the first step has a first deck height and the second step has a second deck height which is taller than the first deck height. A deck wall separates the first step and the second step. In various embodiments, the deck wall is sloped. In certain embodiments, the deck wall is orthogonal to the first step and/or the second step.

0335The cartridge body <b>2222</b>′ further comprises cavity extensions <b>2229</b>′ extending from the first step of the deck. The cavity extensions <b>2229</b>′ surround the ends of the staple cavities <b>2224</b> and extend the staple cavities <b>2224</b> above the first step. The cavity extensions <b>2229</b>′ can at least partially control the staples above the first step as the staples are ejected from the staple cavities <b>2224</b>. The cavity extensions <b>2229</b>′ are also configured to contact and compress tissue captured against the cartridge body <b>2222</b>′. The cavity extensions <b>2229</b>′ can also control the flow of tissue relative to the cartridge body <b>2222</b>′. For instance, the cavity extensions <b>2229</b>′ can limit the radial flow of the tissue. The cavity extensions <b>2229</b>′ can have any suitable configuration and can extend any suitable height from the first step. In at least one instance, the top surfaces of the cavity extensions <b>2229</b>′ are aligned with, or have the same height as, the second step, for example. In other instances, the cavity extensions <b>2229</b>′ can extend above or below the second step.

0336Further to the above, the staple cavities <b>2224</b> each comprise a first staple positioned therein having a first unformed height. The staple cavities <b>2224</b>′ each comprise a second staple positioned therein having a second unformed height which is different than the first unformed height. For instance, the first unformed height is taller than the second unformed height; however, the second unformed height could be taller than the first unformed height. In alternative embodiments, the first unformed staple height and the second unformed staple height is the same.

0337The first staples are deformed to a first deformed height and the second staples are deformed to a second deformed height which is different than the first deformed height. For instance, the first deformed height is taller than the second deformed height. Such an arrangement could improve blood flow into the stapled tissue. Alternatively, the second deformed height could be taller than the first deformed height. Such an arrangement could improve the pliability of the tissue along the inner transection line. In certain alternative embodiments, the first deformed height and the second deformed height is the same.

0338As discussed above, an interchangeable tool assembly can comprise, among other things, a shaft, an end effector, and a replaceable staple cartridge. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises a closure drive configured to move open and close the end effector to capture tissue within the end effector and a firing drive configured to staple and cut the tissue captured within the end effector. The closure drive and the firing drive of the end effector are operably coupled with a corresponding closure drive and firing drive of the shaft when the replaceable staple cartridge is assembled to the shaft. In the event that the replaceable staple cartridge is not properly assembled to the shaft, the replaceable staple cartridge may not operate in its intended manner. As described in greater detail below, the replaceable staple cartridge and/or the shaft can comprise a lockout which prevents the replaceable staple cartridge from being operated unless the replaceable staple cartridge is properly attached to the shaft.

0339Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref>, an interchangeable tool assembly <b>3000</b> comprises a shaft <b>3010</b> and a replaceable staple cartridge <b>3020</b>. Similar to the above, the replaceable staple cartridge <b>3020</b> comprises a closure drive input and a firing drive input which are operably coupled with a closure drive output and a firing drive output, respectively, when the staple cartridge <b>3020</b> is fully seated onto the shaft <b>3010</b>. The operation of such closure and firing systems are not repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

0340The interchangeable tool assembly <b>3000</b> further comprises a lockout circuit <b>3090</b>. The lockout circuit <b>3090</b> includes conductors <b>3096</b> and contacts <b>3092</b>. A first contact <b>3092</b> is electrically coupled to a first conductor <b>3096</b> and a second contact <b>3092</b> is electrically coupled to a second conductor <b>3096</b>. The first contact <b>3092</b> is not electrically coupled to the second contact <b>3092</b> prior to the staple cartridge <b>3020</b> being fully seated onto the shaft <b>3010</b>. The staple cartridge <b>3020</b> comprises a contact bridge <b>3094</b> which engages and electrically couples the contacts <b>3092</b> when the staple cartridge <b>3020</b> is fully seated onto the shaft <b>3010</b>. The contacts <b>3092</b> and the contact bridge <b>3094</b> are configured and arranged such that the contact bridge <b>3094</b> does not electrically couple the contacts <b>3092</b> when the staple cartridge <b>3020</b> is only partially seated onto the shaft <b>3010</b>.

0341The interchangeable tool assembly <b>3000</b> is usable with a surgical instrument system which includes a manually-operable handle and/or a robotic system, for example. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument system includes an electric motor configured to drive the staple firing system of the tool assembly <b>3000</b> and, in addition, a controller configured to operate the electric motor. The lockout circuit of the tool assembly <b>3000</b> is in communication with the controller. When the controller detects that the contact bridge <b>3094</b> is not engaged with the contacts <b>3092</b>, or that the lockout circuit is in an open condition, the controller prevents the electric motor from operating the staple firing system. In various instances, the controller is configured such that it does not supply power to the electric motor when the lockout circuit is in an open condition. In certain other instances, the controller is configured to supply power to the electric motor such that it can operate the closure system but not the firing system when the lockout circuit is in an open condition. In at least one such instance, the controller operates a transmission coupled to the electric motor such that the output of the electric motor is only directed to the closure system. When the controller detects that the contact bridge <b>3094</b> is engaged with the contacts <b>3092</b>, or that the lockout circuit is in a closed condition, the controller allows the electric motor to operate the staple firing system.

0342When a surgical instrument system comprises a handle, further to the above, the controller can actuate a trigger lock which prevents a firing trigger of the handle from being actuated when the controller detects that the lockout circuit is in an open configuration. When the staple cartridge <b>3020</b> is fully seated onto the shaft <b>3010</b> and the lockout circuit is closed, the controller can retract the trigger lock and allow the firing trigger to be actuated. Such a system can be utilized with motorized and/or non-motorized firing drives. A non-motorized firing drive can be driven by a handcrank, for example.

0343As discussed above, an anvil <b>2230</b> can be assembled to the trocar shaft <b>2450</b> of the closure drive of the tool assembly <b>2000</b>. The connecting flanges <b>2238</b> of the anvil <b>2230</b> are configured to engage a recess <b>2458</b> defined in the trocar shaft <b>2450</b> to connect the anvil <b>2230</b> thereto. Once the anvil <b>2230</b> has been assembled to the trocar shaft <b>2450</b>, the trocar shaft <b>2450</b> and the anvil <b>2230</b> can be retracted, or pulled, toward the staple cartridge <b>2222</b> by the closure drive to compress tissue against the staple cartridge <b>2222</b>. In some instances, however, the anvil <b>2230</b> may not be properly assembled to the trocar shaft <b>2450</b>. The mis-assembly of the anvil <b>2230</b> to the trocar shaft <b>2450</b> can frequently occur when the trocar shaft <b>2450</b> is not sufficiently extended above the deck of the staple cartridge <b>2222</b> when a clinician attempts to assemble the anvil <b>2230</b> to the trocar shaft <b>2450</b>. Oftentimes, in such instances, the anvil <b>2230</b> is sufficiently attached to the trocar shaft <b>2450</b> such that the trocar shaft <b>2450</b> can move the anvil <b>2230</b> toward the staple cartridge <b>2222</b> but, when the anvil <b>2230</b> begins to compress the tissue against the staple cartridge <b>2222</b>, the anvil <b>2230</b> can detach from the trocar shaft <b>2450</b>.

0344Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 41 and 42</figref>, an interchangeable tool assembly <b>3100</b> is depicted which is similar in many respects to the interchangeable tool assembly <b>2000</b> discussed above. The tool assembly <b>2000</b> comprises a cartridge body <b>3120</b> comprising a deck <b>3121</b> configured to support tissue when the tissue is compressed against the cartridge body <b>3120</b> by the anvil <b>2130</b>. The tool assembly <b>3100</b> further comprises a closure drive configured to move the anvil <b>2130</b> relative to the cartridge body <b>3120</b>. The closure drive comprises a trocar shaft <b>3150</b> which, similar to the above, includes a recess defined therein. The recess comprises a distal shoulder <b>3158</b> which is configured to retain the anvil <b>2130</b> to the trocar shaft <b>3150</b>. In addition, the tool assembly <b>3100</b> further comprises a firing drive configured to eject staples from the cartridge body <b>3120</b>. The firing drive comprises a rotatable shaft <b>3162</b> and a translatable collar <b>3160</b> threadably engaged with the rotatable shaft <b>3162</b> which is configured to eject staples from the cartridge body <b>3120</b>. The rotatable shaft <b>3162</b> comprises a longitudinal aperture <b>3164</b> defined therein and the trocar shaft <b>3150</b> extends through the aperture <b>3164</b>.

0345Further to the above, the closure drive further comprises a clip <b>3190</b> mounted to the trocar shaft <b>3150</b>. The clip <b>3190</b> comprises a base <b>3192</b> mounted within a slot defined in the trocar shaft <b>3150</b>. The clip <b>3190</b> further comprises compliant arms, or appendages, <b>3198</b> extending from the base <b>3192</b>. The arms <b>3198</b> are movable between an extended position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref>) and a deflected position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref>). When the arms <b>3198</b> are in their deflected position, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref>, the anvil <b>2130</b> can be locked to the trocar shaft <b>3150</b>. The arms <b>3198</b> are held in their deflected position by the translatable collar <b>3160</b> of the firing drive when<b>2</b>the trocar shaft <b>3150</b> has been sufficiently extended above the deck <b>3121</b> of the cartridge body <b>3120</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref>. The translatable collar <b>3160</b> comprises an annular shoulder <b>3168</b> configured to resiliently bias the arms <b>3198</b> inwardly when the arms <b>3198</b> are brought into contact with the shoulder <b>3168</b>.

0346When the trocar shaft <b>3150</b> is not in a sufficiently extended position above the cartridge deck <b>3121</b>, the arms <b>3198</b> are not biased inwardly by the shoulder <b>3168</b>. In such instances, the arms <b>3198</b> are in their extended position, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref>. When the arms <b>3198</b> are in their extended position, the arms <b>3198</b> prevent the anvil <b>2130</b> from being attached to the trocar shaft <b>3150</b>. More specifically, the arms <b>3198</b> prevent the connecting flanges <b>2138</b> of the anvil <b>2130</b> from being seated behind the shoulder <b>3158</b> defined in the trocar shaft <b>3150</b>. In such instances, the arms <b>3198</b> prevent the anvil <b>2130</b> from being partially attached to the trocar shaft <b>3150</b> and, as a result, the clinician attempting to assemble the anvil <b>2130</b> to the trocar shaft <b>3150</b> cannot partially assemble the anvil <b>2130</b> to the trocar shaft <b>3150</b> and can avoid the issues discussed above. The reader should appreciate that the anvil <b>2130</b> is often assembled to the trocar shaft <b>3150</b> in situ, or within a patient, and the proper assembly of the anvil <b>2130</b> to the trocar shaft <b>3150</b> expedites the completion of the surgical technique being used. The system discussed above provides a lockout which prevents a partially assembled anvil from being compressed against the tissue.

0347Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 43-45</figref>, an interchangeable tool assembly <b>3200</b> comprises a lockout configured to prevent a closure drive from being retracted without an anvil attached thereto, as discussed in greater detail below. The tool assembly <b>3200</b> comprises a shaft <b>3210</b> and an end effector <b>3220</b>. The end effector <b>3220</b> includes an outer housing <b>3227</b>, a cartridge body <b>3222</b>, and a longitudinal aperture <b>3226</b> defined therethrough. The tool assembly <b>3200</b> further comprises a closure drive including a trocar shaft <b>3250</b> and an anvil <b>3230</b> attachable to the trocar shaft <b>3250</b>. Similar to the above, the closure drive is configured to move the anvil <b>3230</b> toward and away from the cartridge body <b>3222</b>. The trocar shaft <b>3250</b> is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 44 and 45</figref> both illustrate the trocar shaft <b>3250</b> in its extended position.

0348Further to the above, the tool assembly <b>3200</b> further comprises a retraction lock <b>3290</b> configured to prevent the trocar shaft <b>3250</b> from being moved from its extended position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 44 and 45</figref>) toward its retracted position when the anvil <b>3230</b> is not assembled to the trocar shaft <b>3250</b>. The retraction lock <b>3290</b> comprises a lock arm <b>3292</b> rotatably mounted to the housing <b>3227</b> about a projection, or pin, <b>3294</b>. The retraction lock <b>3290</b> further comprises a spring <b>3296</b> engaged with the lock arm <b>3292</b> which is configured to bias the lock arm <b>3292</b> toward the trocar shaft <b>3250</b>. The trocar shaft <b>3250</b> comprises a lock shoulder <b>3258</b> and, when the anvil <b>3230</b> is not assembled to the trocar shaft <b>3250</b> as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 44</figref>, the lock arm <b>3292</b> is configured to catch the lock shoulder <b>3258</b> and prevent the trocar shaft <b>3250</b> from being moved proximally. More specifically, the lock arm <b>3292</b> comprises a catch <b>3298</b> configured to slide under the lock shoulder <b>3258</b>. When the anvil <b>3230</b> is assembled to the trocar shaft <b>3250</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref>, the anvil <b>3230</b> contacts the lock arm <b>3292</b> and displaces the lock arm <b>3292</b> away from the lock shoulder <b>3258</b>. At such point, the trocar shaft <b>3250</b> has been unlocked and can be moved toward the cartridge body <b>3222</b> into its retracted position.

0349Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 46-48</figref>, an interchangeable tool assembly <b>3300</b> comprises a closure drive, a staple firing drive, and a lockout configured to prevent the staple firing drive from being operated until the anvil of the closure drive has been set to a proper tissue gap, as discussed in greater detail below. The tool assembly <b>3300</b> comprises a shaft <b>3310</b> and an end effector <b>3320</b>. The end effector <b>3320</b> includes an inner frame <b>3329</b>, an outer housing <b>3327</b>, and a cartridge body <b>3322</b>. Similar to the above, the closure drive includes a trocar shaft <b>3350</b> and an anvil <b>2230</b> attachable to the trocar shaft <b>3350</b>. Also similar to the above, the trocar shaft <b>3350</b> is movable between an extended position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 47</figref>) and a retracted position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref>) to move the anvil <b>2230</b> toward and away from the cartridge body <b>3322</b>. The firing drive includes a rotatable shaft <b>3360</b> which is configured to displace a firing drive distally to eject the staples stored in the cartridge body <b>3322</b>.

0350Further to the above, the end effector <b>3320</b> comprises a firing drive lock <b>3390</b> movably mounted to the inner frame <b>3329</b>. The firing drive lock <b>3390</b> comprises a lock pin <b>3394</b> and a lock spring <b>3398</b> positioned around the lock pin <b>3394</b>. The lock pin <b>3394</b> comprises a head <b>3392</b> and a stop <b>3396</b>. The lock spring <b>3398</b> is positioned intermediate the stop <b>3396</b> and a sidewall of a cavity <b>3328</b> defined in the inner frame <b>3329</b>. When the trocar shaft <b>3350</b> is in an extended position, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 47</figref>, the lock spring <b>3398</b> biases the lock pin <b>3394</b> into a lock aperture <b>3364</b> defined in the rotatable shaft <b>3360</b> of the staple firing drive. In such instances, the interaction between the lock pin <b>3394</b> and the sidewalls of the lock aperture <b>3364</b> prevent the shaft <b>3360</b> from being rotated to fire the staples from the cartridge body <b>3322</b>. When the trocar shaft <b>3350</b> is sufficiently retracted, the trocar shaft <b>3350</b> engages the head <b>3392</b> of the lock pin <b>3394</b>. The head <b>3392</b> comprises a cam surface defined thereon which is configured to be engaged by the trocar shaft <b>3350</b> to move the firing drive lock <b>3390</b> between a locked configuration (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 47</figref>) and an unlocked configuration (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref>). When the drive lock <b>3390</b> is in its unlocked configuration, the shaft <b>3360</b> of the firing drive can be rotated.

0351The firing drive lockout of the tool assembly <b>3300</b> requires the anvil <b>2230</b> to be moved into a predetermined position, or within a range of predetermined positions, before the staples can be fired. Moreover, the firing drive lockout of the tool assembly <b>3300</b> requires the tissue gap between the anvil <b>2230</b> and the cartridge body <b>3322</b> to be less than a certain distance before the staples can be fired. As a result, the position of the anvil <b>2230</b> and/or the closure system deactivates the staple firing lockout. Such an arrangement can assist in preventing the malformation of the staples and/or the undercompression of the tissue, among other things.

0352Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 49-51</figref>, an interchangeable tool assembly <b>3400</b> comprises a closure drive configured to clamp tissue, a staple firing drive, and a firing drive lockout <b>3490</b> configured to prevent the staple firing drive from being operated prior to the closure drive applying a sufficient clamping pressure to the tissue. The closure drive comprises a trocar shaft <b>3450</b> and an anvil, such as anvil <b>2230</b>, for example, attached to the trocar shaft <b>3450</b>. Similar to the above, the trocar shaft <b>3450</b> is movable from an extended position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref>) to a retracted position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 51</figref>) to compress tissue against a cartridge body of the tool assembly <b>3400</b>. The firing drive comprises a rotatable shaft <b>3460</b> configured to displace a staple driver distally and eject staples from the cartridge body.

0353The firing drive lockout <b>3490</b> is positioned intermediate the trocar shaft <b>3450</b> of the closure drive and the rotatable shaft <b>3460</b> of the firing drive. The firing drive lockout <b>3490</b> comprises a distal plate <b>3492</b>, a proximal plate <b>3494</b>, and a spring <b>3493</b> positioned intermediate the distal plate <b>3492</b> and the proximal plate <b>3494</b>. The firing drive lockout <b>3490</b> further comprises a lock pin <b>3498</b> movable between a locked configuration (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref>) in which the lock pin <b>3498</b> is engaged with the shaft <b>3460</b> and an unlocked configuration (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 51</figref>) in which the lock pin <b>3498</b> is disengaged from the shaft <b>3460</b>. The lock pin <b>3498</b> is positioned in a pin chamber <b>3496</b> defined between the distal plate <b>3492</b> and the proximal plate <b>3494</b>. More specifically, the lock pin <b>3498</b> comprises a beveled head positioned intermediate a cam <b>3495</b> defined on the distal plate <b>3492</b> and a cam <b>3495</b> defined on the proximal plate <b>3494</b>. When the trocar shaft <b>3450</b> is retracted proximally, the trocar shaft <b>3450</b> pushes the distal plate <b>3492</b> proximally and the cam <b>3495</b> defined on the distal plate <b>3492</b> engages the head of the lock pin <b>3498</b>. In such instances, the cam <b>3495</b> defined on the distal plate <b>3492</b>, in co-operation with the cam <b>3495</b> defined on the proximal plate <b>3494</b>, displace the lock pin <b>3498</b> into its unlocked configuration, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 51</figref>.

0354As discussed above, the cams <b>3495</b> of the firing drive lockout <b>3490</b> squeeze the head of the lock pin <b>3498</b> as the distal plate <b>3492</b> is moved toward the proximal plate <b>3494</b> by the trocar shaft <b>3450</b>. More specifically, the cams <b>3495</b> drive the lock pin <b>3498</b> inwardly and out of engagement with the rotatable shaft <b>3460</b>. The lock pin <b>3498</b> is positioned in a lock aperture <b>3468</b> defined in the shaft <b>3460</b> when the lock pin <b>3498</b> is in its locked configuration and, owing to the interaction between the lock pin <b>3498</b> and the sidewalls of the lock aperture <b>3468</b>, the lock pin <b>3498</b> prevents the shaft <b>3460</b> from rotating. As a result, the staples cannot be fired from the cartridge body by the firing drive. When the lock pin <b>3498</b> is moved into is unlocked configuration, as discussed above, the lock pin <b>3498</b> is moved out of the lock aperture and the shaft <b>3460</b> can be rotated by the firing drive to fire the staples from the cartridge body. In various embodiments, the shaft <b>3460</b> can include a circumferential array of lock apertures <b>3468</b> defined in the shaft <b>3460</b>, each of which is configured to receive the lock pin <b>3498</b> and lockout the firing drive. Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 49-51</figref>, the firing drive lockout <b>3490</b> further comprises a biasing member, such as a spring <b>3499</b>, for example, which is configured to bias the lock pin <b>3498</b> into a lock aperture <b>3468</b>.

0355Further to the above, the spring <b>3493</b> of the firing drive lockout <b>3490</b> is configured to resist the proximal movement of the trocar shaft <b>3450</b>. The spring <b>3493</b> is a linear coil spring; however, any suitable spring could be used. Moreover, more than one spring could be used. In any event, the spring <b>3493</b>, or spring system, has a stiffness which applies a spring force to the distal plate <b>3492</b> of the firing drive lockout <b>3490</b> as the trocar shaft <b>3450</b> is retracted. Stated another way, the force applied to the distal plate <b>3492</b> by the spring <b>3493</b> increases in proportion to the distance in which the trocar shaft <b>3450</b> is displaced proximally. The spring force generated by the spring <b>3493</b> opposes the clamping force that the anvil <b>2230</b> is applying to the tissue. As a result, the clamping force must overcome a certain, or predetermined, spring force being generated by the spring <b>3493</b> in order to sufficiently displace the distal plate <b>3492</b> and unlock the firing drive. In such instances, the tissue clamping force must meet a predetermined threshold before the firing drive lockout <b>3490</b> can be deactivated and the staple firing drive can be actuated.

0356As discussed in connection with various embodiments disclosed herein, a staple firing drive drives staples against an anvil to deform the staples to a desired formed height. In various instances, the staple firing drive is also configured to push a cutting member, such as a knife, for example, distally to cut tissue captured between the cartridge body and the anvil. In such instances, the knife is exposed above the deck of the cartridge body. That said, the anvil is positioned in close relationship to the cartridge body when the anvil is in its closed, or clamped, position and the knife is, for the most part, covered by the anvil even though the knife is exposed above the cartridge body. In the event that the anvil were to be moved to its open position and/or detached from the closure drive before the knife is retracted below the deck of the cartridge body, the knife would be uncovered and exposed. A tool assembly <b>3500</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 52-54</figref> which comprises a lockout <b>3590</b> configured to prevent the anvil from being moved into its open position while the knife is exposed above the cartridge deck.

0357The tool assembly <b>3500</b> comprises a closure drive and a firing drive. The closure drive comprises a trocar shaft <b>3550</b> and an anvil <b>3530</b> releasably attachable to the trocar shaft <b>3550</b>. Similar to the above, the trocar shaft <b>3550</b> is translatable proximally and distally by a rotatable closure shaft <b>2440</b> threadably engaged with the trocar shaft <b>3550</b>. The firing drive comprises a rotatable shaft <b>3562</b> and a translatable collar <b>3560</b> threadably engaged with the rotatable shaft <b>3562</b>. Similar to the above, the collar <b>3560</b> is translatable proximally and distally when the shaft <b>3562</b> is rotated in first and second directions, respectively. Also similar to the above, the collar <b>3560</b> of the firing drive is configured to advance and retract an array of staple drivers and a knife assembly <b>2570</b> toward and away from the anvil <b>3530</b>.

0358Further to the above, the lockout <b>3590</b> comprises a lock arm <b>3592</b> rotatably mounted to the shaft <b>3562</b> of the firing drive about a pivot <b>3594</b>. The lockout <b>3590</b> further comprises a biasing member, or spring, <b>3599</b> engaged with the lock arm <b>3592</b> which is configured to bias the lock arm <b>3592</b> into contact with the anvil <b>3530</b>. In use, the anvil <b>3530</b> is assembled to the trocar shaft <b>3550</b> and the trocar shaft <b>3550</b> is then retracted to position the anvil <b>3530</b> in its closed, or clamped, position relative to the cartridge body. As the anvil <b>3530</b> is being retracted, the lock arm <b>3592</b> of the lockout <b>3590</b> slides against the outer surface of the anvil <b>3530</b> until the lock arm <b>3592</b> is aligned with a lock recess <b>3532</b> defined in the anvil <b>3530</b>. At such point, the spring <b>3599</b> biases the lock arm <b>3592</b> into the lock recess <b>3532</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref>. More specifically, the lock arm <b>3592</b> is positioned behind a lock shoulder which defines the lock recess <b>3532</b>. The firing drive can then be operated to fire the staples and cut the tissue. In such instances, the cutting edge of the knife assembly <b>2570</b> is exposed above the cartridge body and, owing to the lockout <b>3590</b>, the closure drive is locked out, or prevented from being opened, until the cutting edge of the knife assembly <b>2570</b> is no longer exposed.

0359Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 52</figref>, the lock arm <b>3592</b> further comprises a reset tab <b>3593</b> extending therefrom. The collar <b>3560</b> of the firing drive further comprises a cam <b>3563</b> configured to engage the reset tab <b>3593</b> when the collar <b>3560</b> and the knife assembly <b>2570</b> are retracted proximally by the firing drive. The cam <b>3563</b> is configured to rotate the lock arm <b>3592</b> downwardly out of engagement with the lock shoulder defined in the lock recess <b>3532</b> and unlock the closure drive. The cam <b>3563</b> is configured to unlock the closure drive when the cutting edge of the knife assembly <b>2570</b> has been retracted below the cartridge deck; however, in other embodiments, the cam <b>3563</b> can unlock the closure drive when the cutting edge is flush with, or at least substantially flush with, the cartridge deck. In some embodiments, the closure drive may not be unlocked until the knife assembly <b>2570</b> has been completely retracted. Once the closure drive has been unlocked, the closure drive can be operated to move the anvil <b>3530</b> to an open, or unclamped, position once again.

0360Once the staples of an interchangeable tool assembly have been fired, according to various embodiments, the tool assembly may not be re-used. As discussed in greater detail below, a tool assembly can include a lockout configured to prevent the tool assembly from being re-clamped onto tissue after it has been used to staple tissue.

0361In at least one embodiment, referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 55-58</figref>, an interchangeable tool assembly <b>3600</b> comprises a closure drive configured to position an anvil, such as anvil <b>2230</b>, for example, relative to a staple cartridge and a firing drive configured to drive staples from the staple cartridge Similar to the above, the anvil <b>2230</b> is attachable to a translatable trocar shaft <b>3650</b> of the closure drive. Also similar to the above, the firing drive comprises a rotatable shaft <b>3660</b>, a translatable collar <b>2550</b> threadably engaged with the rotatable shaft <b>3660</b>, and a staple firing driver <b>2560</b> displaceable by the rotatable shaft <b>3660</b>. In use, the closure drive is operable to position the anvil <b>2230</b> in a clamped position relative to the staple cartridge and the firing driver is then operable to fire the staples into tissue captured between the anvil <b>2230</b> and the staple cartridge. Thereafter, the closure drive is operated to open the anvil <b>2230</b> and release the tissue.

0362Further to the above, the tool assembly <b>3600</b> comprises a lockout <b>3690</b> configured to prevent the anvil <b>2230</b> from being reclamped onto the tissue. The lockout <b>3690</b> comprises a lock arm <b>3692</b> rotatably mounted to the rotatable shaft <b>3660</b> which is held in an unlocked configuration by the firing drive as the closure drive moves the anvil <b>2230</b> between an open, unclamped position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref>) and a closed, clamped position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref>). The lock arm <b>3692</b> is held in its unlocked configuration between the rotatable shaft <b>3660</b> and the translatable collar <b>2550</b> as the trocar shaft <b>3650</b> and the anvil <b>2230</b> are moved relative to the firing drive to position the anvil <b>2230</b> relative to the staple cartridge. The arm <b>3692</b> is held in its unlocked configuration until the firing drive is operated, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref>. As the shaft <b>3460</b> is rotated in a first direction, the collar <b>2550</b> is displaced distally and a spring <b>3699</b> of the lockout <b>3690</b> can bias the lock arm <b>3692</b> against the trocar shaft <b>3650</b>. The trocar shaft <b>3650</b> rotates relative to the lock arm <b>3692</b> as the collar <b>2550</b> is displaced distally to fire the staples and then retracted proximally. The closure drive can then be operated to re-open the anvil <b>2230</b> to unclamp the tissue and/or detach the anvil <b>2230</b> from the trocar shaft <b>3650</b>. As the anvil <b>2230</b> is being re-opened, the spring <b>3699</b> biases the lock arm <b>3692</b> into a lock recess <b>3652</b> defined in the trocar shaft <b>3650</b> and/or anvil <b>2230</b>. Once the lock arm <b>3692</b> is positioned in the lock recess <b>3652</b>, the lock arm <b>3692</b> prevents the trocar shaft <b>3650</b> from being retracted proximally. In the event that the closure drive is operated in an attempt to retract the trocars shaft <b>3650</b> the lock arm <b>3692</b> will abut a lock shoulder defined in the lock recess <b>3652</b> and prevent the retraction of the trocar shaft <b>3650</b> and anvil <b>2230</b>. As a result, the lockout <b>3690</b> prevents the anvil <b>2230</b> from being re-clamped onto tissue after the tool assembly <b>3600</b> has undergone, or at least partially undergone, a firing cycle and the tool assembly <b>3600</b> cannot be used again. Moreover, the lockout <b>3690</b> can serve as a spent cartridge lockout.

0363Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 59 and 60</figref>, a tool assembly <b>3700</b> comprises a staple cartridge <b>3720</b> and an anvil <b>3730</b>. The tool assembly <b>3700</b> further comprises a closure system configured to move the anvil <b>3730</b> toward the staple cartridge <b>3720</b> and, in addition, a firing system configured to eject, or fire, staples removably stored in the staple cartridge <b>3720</b>. The anvil <b>3730</b> comprises a longitudinal shaft portion <b>3736</b> and attachment arms <b>3738</b> extending from the shaft portion <b>3736</b> which are configured to resiliently grip a closure actuator, or trocar, <b>3734</b> of the closure system. The closure actuator <b>3734</b> is retractable proximally by a closure drive to move the trocar <b>3734</b> between an open, unclamped position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref>) and a closed, clamped position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref>). When the closure system is in its open configuration, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref>, the staple firing system is disabled and cannot be actuated to fire the staples stored in the staple cartridge <b>3720</b>, as described in greater detail below.

0364Further to the above, the staple firing system comprises a rotatable firing shaft <b>3750</b> comprising a threaded distal end and, in addition, a translatable firing nut <b>2550</b> comprising a threaded aperture configured to receive the threaded distal end of the firing shaft <b>3750</b>. Notably, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref>, a gap is present between the threaded distal end of the firing shaft <b>3750</b> and the threaded aperture defined in the firing nut <b>2550</b> when the anvil <b>3730</b> is in its open position. As a result, the firing shaft <b>3750</b> cannot displace the firing nut <b>2550</b> distally until the firing shaft <b>3750</b> is threadably engaged with the firing nut <b>2550</b>.

0365As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref>, the attachment arms <b>3738</b> of the anvil <b>3730</b> are configured to engage the firing shaft <b>3750</b> and deflect the firing shaft <b>3750</b> outwardly when the anvil <b>3730</b> is moved into its closed position. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 59A and 60A</figref>, the attachment arms <b>3738</b> are configured to engage inwardly-extending projections <b>3758</b> defined on the firing shaft <b>3750</b> and push the projections <b>3758</b> and the perimeter of the firing shaft <b>3750</b> outwardly. In such instances, the threaded distal end of the firing shaft <b>3750</b> is pushed into operative engagement with the threaded aperture of the firing nut <b>2550</b> at a thread interface <b>3790</b> and, at such point, the firing shaft <b>3750</b> can displace the firing nut <b>2550</b> distally to eject the staples from the staple cartridge <b>3720</b> when the firing shaft <b>3750</b> is rotated by a firing drive. When the anvil <b>3730</b> is re-opened, the firing shaft <b>3750</b> will return to its original configuration and become operably disengaged from the firing nut <b>2550</b>.

0366As a result of the above, the tool assembly <b>3700</b> comprises a lockout which prevents the staples from being fired if the anvil <b>3730</b> is not attached to the closure system, if the anvil <b>3730</b> is improperly attached to the closure system, and/or if the anvil <b>3730</b> is not sufficiently closed.

0367Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 61 and 62</figref>, a tool assembly <b>3800</b> comprises a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the staples, a closure drive system configured to move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge, and a firing system configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. As discussed below, the tool assembly <b>3800</b> further comprises a lockout configured to prevent the firing system from being operated unless the staple cartridge is fully seated onto the tool assembly <b>3800</b>.

0368The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge frame <b>3820</b> configured to engage a shaft frame <b>3810</b> of the tool assembly <b>3800</b>. The staple cartridge further comprises a drive shaft <b>3830</b> which is inserted into the shaft frame <b>3810</b> when the staple cartridge is assembled to the tool assembly <b>3800</b>. More particularly, referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 64</figref>, the drive shaft <b>3830</b> comprises a proximal end <b>3832</b> including an annular gear portion <b>3833</b> which is configured to engage and compress a transmission <b>3860</b> of the firing system when the staple cartridge is assembled to the tool assembly <b>3800</b>. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 62</figref>, the transmission <b>3860</b> comprises a first portion <b>3862</b>, a second portion <b>3864</b>, and a third portion <b>3868</b> which, when pushed into operative engagement with each other, are able to transmit a rotary input motion to the drive shaft <b>3830</b>.

0369Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 63 and 64</figref>, the annular gear portion <b>3833</b> of the drive shaft <b>3830</b> is configured to engage a corresponding gear portion <b>3863</b> defined on the distal side of the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> and, when the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> is pushed proximally by the drive shaft <b>3830</b>, the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> can operably engage the second transmission portion <b>3864</b>. More specifically, the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> comprises a proximal gear portion <b>3865</b> which engages a distal gear portion <b>3866</b> of the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> and, concurrently, pushes the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> proximally when the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> is pushed proximally by the drive shaft <b>3830</b>. When the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> is pushed proximally by the first transmission portion <b>3862</b>, similar to the above, the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> can operably engage the third transmission portion <b>3868</b>. More specifically, the second transmission portion <b>3862</b> comprises a proximal gear portion <b>3867</b> which engages a distal gear portion <b>3869</b> of the third transmission portion <b>3864</b> when the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> and the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> are pushed proximally by the drive shaft <b>3830</b>. The third transmission portion <b>3868</b> is operably coupled to an input shaft and supported from being displaced proximally by the input shaft and/or the shaft housing <b>3810</b>.

0370Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref>, the transmission <b>3860</b> further comprises at least one spring member <b>3870</b> positioned intermediate the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> and the second transmission portion <b>3864</b>. In at least one instance, the spring member <b>3870</b> can comprise one or more wave springs, for example. The spring member <b>3870</b> is configured to bias the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> and the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> apart from one another. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the transmission <b>3860</b> further comprises at least one spring member <b>3870</b> positioned intermediate the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> and the third transmission portion <b>3868</b> which, similar to the above, is configured to bias the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> and the third transmission portion <b>3868</b> apart from one another. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 65</figref>, each spring member <b>3870</b> comprises two disc springs <b>3872</b> which are configured to deflect when a compressive force is applied thereto; however, the springs members <b>3870</b> can comprise any suitable configuration.

0371Further to the above, and referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref>, the input shaft of the tool assembly <b>3800</b> can rotate the third transmission portion <b>3868</b>; however, the rotation of the third transmission portion <b>3868</b> cannot be transmitted to the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> unless the spring member <b>3870</b> positioned intermediate the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> and the third transmission portion <b>3868</b> has been sufficiently compressed to connect the proximal gear portion <b>3867</b> of the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> with the distal gear portion <b>3869</b> of the third transmission portion <b>3868</b>. Similarly, the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> cannot transmit rotary motion to the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> unless the spring member <b>3870</b> positioned intermediate the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> and the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> has been sufficiently compressed to connect the proximal gear portion <b>3865</b> of the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> and the distal gear portion <b>3866</b> of the second transmission portion <b>3864</b>. As discussed above, the drive shaft <b>3830</b> engages the first transmission portion <b>3862</b> with the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> and engages the second transmission portion <b>3864</b> with the third transmission portion <b>3868</b> when the staple cartridge is fully seated onto the shaft frame <b>3810</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 62</figref>. In such instances, the rotation of the input shaft can be transmitted to the drive shaft <b>3830</b>. If the staple cartridge is not fully seated onto the shaft frame <b>3810</b>, however, one or more of the transmission portions <b>3862</b>, <b>3864</b>, and <b>3868</b> are not operably engaged with each other and the rotation of the input shaft cannot be transmitted to the drive shaft <b>3830</b>. Thus, the tool assembly <b>3800</b> assures that the staples stored within the staple cartridge cannot be ejected from the staple cartridge unless the staple cartridge is fully seated onto the shaft frame <b>3810</b>.

0372Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 66-68</figref>, a tool assembly <b>3900</b> comprises a shaft <b>3910</b> and a replaceable staple cartridge <b>3920</b>. The replaceable staple cartridge <b>3920</b> comprises a closure drive configured to move an anvil relative to the staple cartridge <b>3920</b> and, in addition, a firing drive comprising a rotatable firing shaft <b>3930</b> configured to eject staples removably stored in the staple cartridge <b>3920</b>. Similar to the above, the tool assembly <b>3900</b> comprises a lockout configured to prevent the firing drive from ejecting the staples from the staple cartridge <b>3920</b> unless the staple cartridge <b>3920</b> is fully, or sufficiently, seated onto the shaft <b>3910</b>. More specifically, the lockout prevents the firing shaft <b>3930</b> from rotating within the staple cartridge <b>3920</b> unless the staple cartridge <b>3920</b> is fully, or sufficiently, seated onto the shaft <b>3910</b>. In various instances, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref>, the firing shaft <b>3930</b> comprises an annular array of lock apertures <b>3939</b> defined in the outer perimeter thereof and the staple cartridge <b>3920</b> comprises at least one lock <b>3929</b> configured to releasably engage a lock aperture <b>3939</b> defined in the shaft <b>3930</b>. The lock <b>3929</b> comprises a proximally-extending cantilever beam; however, any suitable configuration could be utilized. The lock <b>3929</b> further comprises a locking projection that extends into the lock aperture <b>3939</b> and prevents the firing shaft <b>3930</b> from rotating, or at least substantially rotating, relative to the body of the staple cartridge <b>3920</b>. The lock <b>3929</b> is configured such that it is biased into engagement with a lock aperture <b>3939</b> defined in the firing shaft <b>3930</b> until the lock <b>3929</b> is lifted out of the lock aperture <b>3939</b> when the staple cartridge <b>3920</b> is fully, or sufficiently, assembled to the shaft <b>3910</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 68</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 68</figref>, the outer housing of the shaft <b>3910</b> comprises a wedge <b>3919</b> configured to lift the lock <b>3929</b> away from the firing shaft <b>3930</b> and disengage the lock <b>3929</b> from the lock aperture <b>3939</b>. The wedge <b>3919</b> is configured such that it does not disengage the lock <b>3929</b> from the firing shaft <b>3930</b> unless the staple cartridge <b>3920</b> has been fully, or sufficiently, seated onto the shaft <b>3910</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 68</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref> illustrates a scenario where the staple cartridge <b>3920</b> has not been fully, or sufficiently, seated onto the shaft <b>3910</b>.

0373Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 69-71</figref>, a tool assembly <b>4000</b> comprises a shaft <b>4010</b> and a replaceable staple cartridge <b>4020</b>. The replaceable staple cartridge <b>4020</b> comprises a closure drive configured to move an anvil relative to the staple cartridge <b>4020</b> and, in addition, a firing drive comprising a rotatable firing shaft <b>3930</b> configured to eject staples removably stored in the staple cartridge <b>4020</b>. The staple cartridge <b>4020</b> comprises a lock <b>4029</b> configured to releasably connect the staple cartridge <b>4020</b> to the shaft <b>4010</b>. The lock <b>4029</b> comprises a proximally-extending cantilever and a lock shoulder <b>4028</b> extending therefrom. The lock <b>4029</b> is configured to deflect inwardly within the shaft <b>4010</b> as the staple cartridge <b>4020</b> is assembled to the shaft <b>4010</b> and then resiliently return to, or at least toward, its undeflected state when the lock shoulder <b>4028</b> of the lock <b>4029</b> becomes aligned with a window <b>4019</b> defined in the outer housing of the shaft <b>4010</b>. In such instances, the lock shoulder <b>4028</b> enters into the window <b>4019</b> when the staple cartridge <b>4020</b> has been fully, or sufficiently, seated on the shaft <b>4010</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 70</figref>. In order to unlock the staple cartridge <b>4020</b>, a clinician can insert a tool or their finger, for example, into the window and depress the lock <b>4029</b> away from the window <b>4019</b>. At such point, the staple cartridge <b>4020</b> can be removed from the shaft <b>4010</b> and, if the clinician so desires, and attach a new staple cartridge to the shaft <b>4010</b>.

0374In addition to or in lieu of the above, a surgical stapling system can comprise an electrical lockout configured to prevent the closure drive of the stapling system from clamping the anvil onto the tissue and/or prevent the firing drive from performing its firing stroke when a staple cartridge has not been fully, or sufficiently, seated onto the shaft of the stapling system. In various instances, the stapling system can comprise a sensor configured to detect whether a staple cartridge has been fully, or sufficiently, seated on the shaft and, in addition, an electrical motor configured to operate the firing drive. In the event that the sensor detects that a staple cartridge has not been fully, or sufficiently, attached to the shaft, the motor can be electrically de-activated. In various instances, the stapling system comprises a controller, such as a microprocessor, for example, which is in communication with the sensor and the electric motor. In at least one instance, the controller is configured to, one, permit the electric motor to be operated if the sensor detects a properly seated staple cartridge on the shaft and, two, prevent the electric motor from being operated if the sensor detects an improperly seated staple cartridge on the shaft.

0375Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref>, a tool assembly kit <b>4100</b> comprises a shaft <b>4110</b> and a plurality of staple cartridges, such as <b>4120</b>, <b>4120</b>′, <b>4120</b>″, and <b>4120</b>′″, for example. Each staple cartridge <b>4120</b>, <b>4120</b>′, <b>4120</b>″, and <b>4120</b>′″ is configured to apply circular rows of staples having a different diameter. For example, the staple cartridge <b>4120</b>′″ is configured to apply staples in a pattern having a large diameter while the staple cartridge <b>4120</b> is configured to apply staples in a pattern having a small diameter. In various instances, different staple cartridges can deploy staples having different unformed heights. In at least one instance, staple cartridges that apply staples in larger patterns deploy staples having a larger undeformed height while staple cartridges that apply staples in smaller patterns deploy staples having a smaller undeformed height. In some instances, a staple cartridge can deploy staples having two or more unformed heights. In any event, a staple cartridge selected from the plurality of staple cartridges can be assembled to the shaft <b>4110</b>.

0376Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 72 and 73</figref>, the tool assembly <b>4100</b> comprises a detection circuit <b>4190</b> configured to detect whether a staple cartridge is fully, or sufficiently, attached to the shaft <b>4110</b>. The detection circuit <b>4190</b> is not entirely contained within the shaft <b>4110</b>; rather, a staple cartridge must be properly assembled to the shaft <b>4110</b> to complete the detection circuit <b>4190</b>. The detection circuit <b>4190</b> comprises conductors <b>4193</b> that extend through a passage <b>4192</b> defined in the frame of the shaft <b>4110</b> and/or along the outer housing of the shaft <b>4110</b>. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 73</figref>, each conductor <b>4193</b> is electrically coupled to an electrical contact <b>4194</b> defined in the distal end of the housing. The staple cartridge <b>4120</b>, for example, comprises corresponding electrical contacts <b>4195</b> which are positioned and arranged on the body <b>4122</b> of the staple cartridge <b>4120</b> such that the contacts <b>4195</b> engage the contacts <b>4194</b> on the shaft <b>4110</b>. The staple cartridge <b>4120</b> further comprises conductors <b>4196</b> extending through and/or along the cartridge body <b>4122</b>. Each conductor <b>4196</b> is electrically coupled with a contact <b>4195</b>. In certain instances, the conductors <b>4196</b> are directly coupled to one another and, in such instances, the detection circuit <b>4190</b> is closed once the staple cartridge <b>4120</b> is properly assembled to the shaft <b>4110</b>.

0377In certain instances, further to the above, the detection circuit <b>4190</b> of the tool assembly <b>4100</b> extends through a deck portion <b>4124</b> of the staple cartridge <b>4120</b>. In at least one instance, the deck portion <b>4124</b> is movably attached to the cartridge body <b>4122</b>. More specifically, in at least one such instance, spring members <b>4198</b> are positioned intermediate the cartridge body <b>4122</b> and the deck portion <b>4124</b> and are configured to permit the deck portion <b>4124</b> to move, or float, relative to the cartridge body <b>4122</b> when tissue is compressed against the deck portion <b>4124</b>. In at least one instance, the spring members <b>4198</b> comprise one or more wave springs, for example. The spring members <b>4198</b> also form an electrically conductive pathway between the cartridge body <b>4122</b> and the deck portion <b>4124</b>. More specifically, the spring members <b>4198</b> are positioned intermediate electrical contacts <b>4197</b> and <b>4199</b> defined on the cartridge body <b>4122</b> and the deck portion <b>4124</b>, respectively. The conductors <b>4196</b> are electrically coupled to electrical contacts <b>4197</b> defined on the distal end of the cartridge body <b>4122</b> and the electrical contacts <b>4199</b> are electrically coupled to one another through a conductor in the deck portion <b>4125</b>. As discussed above, the detection circuit <b>4190</b> is closed once the staple cartridge <b>4120</b> is properly assembled to the shaft <b>4110</b>.

0378Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 74-76</figref>, a tool assembly <b>4200</b> comprises a lockout configured to prevent a replaceable circular staple cartridge from being fired more than once, as described in greater detail further below. In use, a replaceable circular staple cartridge <b>4220</b> is assembled to a shaft <b>4210</b> of the tool assembly <b>4200</b>. The tool assembly <b>4200</b> is then positioned in the surgical site and an anvil <b>2230</b> is assembled to the trocar <b>2450</b> of the closure drive. The closure drive is then used to move the anvil <b>2230</b> toward the staple cartridge <b>4220</b> to clamp the patient's tissue against the staple cartridge <b>4220</b> until the anvil <b>2230</b> reaches a closed, or clamped, position. This position of the anvil <b>2230</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref>. At such point, the firing drive can be operated to deploy the staples removably stored in the staple cartridge <b>4220</b>. The firing drive comprises, among other things, a rotatable drive shaft <b>4230</b> which is threadably engaged with a drive collar <b>4240</b> and, in addition, a staple firing driver <b>2560</b>. The drive collar <b>4240</b> and the firing driver <b>2560</b> comprise separate components; however, the drive collar <b>4240</b> and the firing driver <b>2560</b> could be integrally formed in alternative embodiments. The firing drive is rotatable in a first direction during a firing stroke to push the drive collar <b>4240</b> and the staple firing driver <b>2560</b> distally between an unfired position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref>) and a fired position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 75</figref>) to eject the staples from the staple cartridge <b>4220</b>. The drive collar <b>4240</b> and the staple driver <b>2560</b> are prevented from rotating within the staple cartridge <b>4220</b> and, as a result, the drive shaft <b>4230</b> rotates relative to the drive collar <b>4240</b> and the staple driver <b>2560</b>.

0379Further to the above, the drive collar <b>4240</b> comprises one or more lockouts <b>4290</b> extending proximally therefrom. Each lockout <b>4290</b> comprises a lockout pin <b>4292</b> slidably positioned within a pin aperture <b>4293</b> defined in the drive collar <b>4240</b>. Each lockout <b>4290</b> further comprises a biasing member, such as a spring <b>4294</b>, for example, configured to bias the pins <b>4292</b> proximally. When the firing drive is in its unfired configuration, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref>, the lockouts <b>4290</b> are not engaged with the rotatable drive shaft <b>4230</b> and/or the frame <b>4222</b> of the staple cartridge <b>4220</b>. As the drive collar <b>4240</b> and the staple driver <b>2560</b> are pushed distally by the drive shaft <b>4230</b>, the lockout pins <b>4292</b> move away from the drive shaft <b>4230</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 75</figref>. After the firing stroke has been completed and the staples have been sufficiently deformed against the anvil <b>2230</b>, the drive shaft <b>4230</b> is rotated in an opposite direction to pull the drive collar <b>4240</b> and the staple driver <b>4260</b> proximally during a retraction stroke. In such instances, the lockouts <b>4290</b> are moved toward the drive shaft <b>4230</b>. Notably, the retraction stroke is longer than the firing stroke and, as a result, the drive collar <b>4240</b> is moved proximally with respect to its original unfired position into a retracted position, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 76</figref>. In this retracted position of the drive collar <b>4240</b>, the lockouts <b>4290</b> have become engaged with the drive shaft <b>4230</b> and the frame <b>4222</b> of the staple cartridge <b>4220</b>. More specifically, each lockout <b>4290</b> has entered into a lockout aperture defined between the drive shaft <b>4230</b> and the cartridge frame <b>4222</b>. Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 78</figref>, each lockout aperture is defined by an aperture wall <b>4295</b> in the drive shaft <b>4230</b> and an aperture wall <b>4296</b> in the frame <b>4222</b>. Once the lockout pins <b>4292</b> have entered the lockout apertures, the drive collar <b>4240</b> cannot be rotated by the drive shaft <b>4230</b> and the firing system of the staple cartridge <b>4220</b> has become locked out. As a result, that particular staple cartridge <b>4220</b> cannot be used again and must be replaced with a new staple cartridge in order for the tool assembly <b>4200</b> to be used again.

0380The reader should appreciate, further to the above, that the lockout pins <b>4292</b> may or may not be partially positioned in the lockout apertures when the firing drive is in its unfired configuration as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref>. To the extent, however, that the lockout pins <b>4292</b> are partially positioned in the lockout apertures, in such instances, the pins <b>4292</b> can displace distally within the pin apertures <b>4293</b> defined in the drive collar <b>4240</b> when the firing drive shaft <b>4230</b> is rotated. As the reader should also appreciate, the lockout pins <b>4292</b> are seated deeply enough into the lockout apertures defined in the drive shaft <b>4230</b> when the drive collar <b>4240</b> is moved into its retracted position so as to prevent the pins <b>4292</b> from being displaced distally out of the lockout apertures if the firing drive shaft <b>4230</b> is rotated in its first direction once again.

0381Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 78</figref>, the sidewalls <b>4295</b> and <b>4296</b> of the lockout apertures are aligned with one another when the drive collar <b>4240</b> is in its retracted position. When the drive shaft <b>4230</b> is rotated, however, the sidewalls <b>4295</b> defined in the drive shaft <b>4230</b> will rotate out of alignment with the sidewalls <b>4296</b> defined in the cartridge frame <b>4222</b>. In some instances, the sidewalls <b>4295</b> may momentarily rotate into re-alignment with the sidewalls <b>4296</b> as the firing drive <b>4230</b> is rotated. In any event, referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 77</figref>, the sidewalls <b>4295</b> are not aligned with the sidewalls <b>4296</b> when the firing system is in its unfired configuration. As a result, the lockout pins <b>4292</b> cannot enter into the lockout apertures when the firing system is in its unfired configuration and the staple cartridge <b>4220</b> cannot become unintentionally locked out.

0382In at least one alternative embodiment, referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 80</figref>, one or more lockout apertures <b>4295</b>″ can be exclusively defined in a drive shaft <b>4230</b>″ of a tool assembly <b>4200</b>″. In such embodiments, the drive collar <b>4240</b> would not be able to rotate relative to the drive shaft <b>4230</b>″ once the lockout pins <b>4292</b> entered into the lockout apertures <b>4295</b>″. In effect, the drive collar <b>4240</b> and the drive shaft <b>4230</b>″ would become synchronously locked together, but not necessarily locked to the frame of the tool assembly <b>4200</b>″, which would prevent the drive shaft <b>4230</b>″ from rotating relative to the drive collar <b>2440</b> and displacing the drive collar <b>2440</b> distally.

0383In at least one alternative embodiment, referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 79</figref>, each of the firing drive lockouts has a different configuration such that each lockout pin is uniquely indexed with its corresponding lockout aperture. For example, the tool assembly <b>4200</b>′ comprises a first lockout pin configured to enter a first lockout aperture defined by sidewalls <b>4295</b> and <b>4296</b> and a second lockout pin configured to enter a second lockout aperture defined by sidewalls <b>4295</b>′ and <b>4296</b>′. The first lockout pin of the tool assembly <b>4200</b>′, however, is sized and configured such that it cannot enter into the second lockout aperture and, correspondingly, the second lockout pin is sized and configured such that it cannot enter into the first lockout aperture. Moreover, neither the first lockout pin nor the second lockout pin can enter an aperture formed by a combination of sidewalls <b>4295</b> and <b>4296</b>′ or an aperture formed by a combination of sidewalls <b>4295</b>′ and <b>4296</b>.

0384As discussed above, a stapling instrument configured to deploy circular rows of staples can comprise an articulation joint. The articulation joint is configured to permit an end effector of the stapling instrument to articulate relative to a shaft of the stapling instrument. Such a stapling instrument can assist a surgeon in positioning the end effector within the rectum and/or colon of a patient. In various embodiments, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 81</figref>, a stapling instrument configured to deploy circular rows of staples, such as stapling instrument <b>9000</b>, for example, can be can comprise a contourable or adjustable frame <b>9010</b>. The frame <b>9010</b> can be configured to be permanently deformed during use. In at least one such embodiment, the frame <b>9010</b> is comprised of a malleable metal, such as silver, platinum, palladium, nickel, gold, and/or copper, for example. In certain embodiments, the frame <b>9010</b> is comprised of a malleable plastic, for example. In at least one embodiment, the frame is comprised of a polymer including metal ions bonded with the polymer chains, such as ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs), for example. A voltage potential, or potentials, can be applied to the IPMC material in order to defect the shaft in a desired manner. In certain instances, the shaft is contourable along one radius of curvature while, in other instances, the shaft is contourable along more than one radius of curvature. The voltage potential, or potentials, can be modified to contour the shaft while the shaft is within the patient, for example. In certain embodiments, the contourable portion of the frame comprises a plurality of pivotable links. In at least one embodiment, the contourable portion of the frame is comprised of a visco-elastic material.

0385Further to the above, the stapling instrument can further comprise a lock configured to releasably hold the contourable portion of the stapling instrument frame in its contoured configuration. In at least one instance, the stapling instrument frame comprises articulatable frame links and one or more longitudinal tension cables which can pull the frame links proximally and lock the frame links together. In certain instances, each frame link can comprise a longitudinal aperture extending therethrough which is configured to receive a distally movable rod. The rod is sufficiently flexible to pass through the longitudinal apertures, which may not be completely aligned with one another when the contourable portion has been contoured, yet sufficiently rigid to hold the stapling instrument in its contoured configuration.

0386As discussed herein, a surgical instrument can be comprised of a plurality of modules that are assembled to one another. For instance, in at least one embodiment, a surgical instrument comprises a first module including a handle and a second module including a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly comprises an end effector configured to staple and/or incise the tissue of a patient; however, the shaft assembly can comprise any suitable end effector. In various instances, the end effector comprises a third module attachable to the shaft assembly. Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 82 and 83</figref>, a handle, such as the handle <b>20</b>, for example, comprises a controller and a display <b>10000</b> in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to display data regarding the operation of the surgical instrument on the display <b>10000</b>. The data displayed on the display <b>10000</b> relates information to a surgeon regarding at least one operating parameter of the first module and/or at least one operating parameter of the second module. For example, the controller can display data on the display <b>10000</b> regarding the progress of the staple firing stroke.

0387Further to the above, the shaft assembly comprises a second display. For example, the shaft assembly <b>2000</b> comprises a display <b>10100</b>; however, any of the shaft assemblies disclosed herein can comprise a display such as display <b>10100</b>, for example. The second module comprises its own controller configured to display data regarding the operation of the surgical instrument on the display <b>10100</b>. Similar to the above, the data displayed on the display <b>10100</b> relates information regarding at least one operating parameter of the first module and/or at least one operating parameter of the second module. The controller of the second module is in signal communication with the controller of the first module; however, in other embodiments, the second module controller can operate independently of the first module controller. In certain alternative embodiments, the second module does not comprise a controller. In such embodiments, the controller of the first module is in signal communication with the first display <b>10000</b> and the second display <b>10100</b> and controls the data displayed on the first display <b>10000</b> and the second display <b>10100</b>.

0388As discussed above, the tool assembly <b>2000</b> comprises an anvil and a staple cartridge. The handle <b>20</b> comprises an actuation system configured to move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge. The anvil is positionable in a range of positions relative to the staple cartridge to control the distance, or gap, between the anvil and the staple cartridge and, as a result, control the forming height of the staples when the staples are ejected from the staple cartridge. For instance, the anvil is positioned closer to the staple cartridge to deform the staples to a shorter formed height and positioned further away from the staple cartridge to deform the staples to a taller formed height. In any event, the second display <b>10100</b> of the tool assembly <b>2000</b> is configured to display the position of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge and/or display the height in which the staples will be or have been formed. In various embodiments, a shaft assembly can comprise an actuator configured to control a function of the end effector and a display which displays data regarding the end effector function which is adjacent to the actuator.

0389Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a tool assembly <b>1500</b> comprises a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The shaft comprises a shaft frame a longitudinal shaft axis. The end effector comprises an end effector frame and a longitudinal end effector axis. The end effector further comprises a distal head and a rotation joint which permits the distal head to rotate relative to the end effector frame about the longitudinal end effector axis. The distal head comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, or a channel configured to receive such a staple cartridge, and the second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw and/or both the first jaw and the second jaw are movable relative to each other.

0390In certain embodiments, a tool assembly can comprise an articulation joint in addition to the rotation joint. In at least one such embodiment, the rotation joint is distal with respect to the articulation joint. In such an embodiment, the rotation of the distal head does not affect the angle in which the end effector has been articulated. That said, other embodiments are envisioned in which the articulation joint is distal with respect to the rotation joint. Such embodiments can provide a wide sweep of the distal head. In either event, the longitudinal end effector axis is movable relative to the longitudinal shaft axis. In at least one instance, the longitudinal end effector axis is movable between a position in which it is collinear with the longitudinal shaft axis to a position in which it is transverse to the longitudinal shaft axis.

0391Further to the above, the distal head of the tool assembly <b>1500</b> is rotatable between an initial position and a rotated position. In at least one instance, the distal head is rotatable between a zero, or top-dead-center, position and a second position. In certain instances, the distal head is rotatable through an at least 360 degree range of motion. In other instances, the distal head is rotatable through a less than 360 degree range of rotation. In either event, the tool assembly <b>1500</b> and/or the handle <b>20</b> is configured to track the rotational position of the distal head. In various instances, the tool assembly <b>1500</b> and/or the handle <b>20</b> comprises an electric motor operably coupled with the distal head of the end effector and, in addition, an encoder configured to directly track the rotation of the distal head and/or indirectly track the rotation of the distal head by evaluating the rotational position of the shaft of the electric motor, for example. The controller of the handle <b>20</b> is in signal communication with the encoder and is configured to display the rotational position of the distal head on the display <b>10000</b>, for example.

0392In at least one embodiment, the orientation and the arrangement of the data displayed on the display <b>10000</b> is static while the distal head of the end effector rotates. Of course, the data displayed on the display <b>10000</b> in such an embodiment would be updated by the surgical instrument controller; however, the data display is not re-oriented and/or re-arranged as the distal head rotates. Such an embodiment can provide a surgeon with the information necessary to properly utilize the surgical instrument in a static field. In at least one alternative embodiment, the data field on the display <b>10000</b> is dynamic. In this context, the term dynamic means more than the data being updated on the display <b>10000</b>; rather, the term dynamic means that the data is re-oriented and/or re-arranged on the display <b>10000</b> as the distal head is rotated. In at least one instance, the orientation of the data tracks the orientation of the distal head. For example, if the distal head is rotated 30 degrees, the data field on the display <b>10000</b> is rotated 30 degrees. In various instances, the distal head is rotatable 360 degrees and the data field is rotatable 360 degrees.

0393Further to the above, the data field can be oriented in any orientation that matches the orientation of the distal head. Such an embodiment can provide a surgeon with an accurate and intuitive sense of the orientation of the distal head. In certain embodiments, the controller orients the data field in an orientation selected from an array of discrete positions that most closely matches the orientation of the distal head. For instance, if the distal head has been rotated 27 degrees and the selectable discrete data field positions are 15 degrees apart, the controller can re-orient the data field 30 degrees from a datum orientation. Similarly, for example, if the distal head has been rotated 17 degrees and the selectable discrete data field positions are 5 degrees apart, the controller can re-orient the data field 15 degrees from the datum orientation. In at least one embodiment, the datum orientation is aligned with a feature of the surgical instrument itself. For example, the datum orientation of the handle <b>20</b> is aligned with an axis extending through a grip of the handle <b>20</b>. In such an embodiment, the controller can disregard the orientation of the handle <b>20</b> with respect to its environment. In at least one alternative embodiment, however, the datum orientation is aligned with respect to the gravitational axis, for example.

0394Further to the above, the controller is configured to re-orient the entire data field displayed on the display <b>10000</b> with respect to the orientation of the distal head. In other embodiments, the controller is configured to re-orient only a portion of the data field displaced on the display <b>10000</b> with respect to the orientation of the distal head. In such an embodiment, a portion of the data field is held static with respect to the datum orientation while another portion of the data field is rotated with respect to the datum orientation. In certain embodiments, a first portion of the data field is rotated a first angle of rotation and a second portion of the data field is rotated a second angle of rotation in the same direction. For instance, the second portion can be rotated less than the first portion. In various embodiments, a first portion of the data field is rotated in a first direction and a second portion of the data field is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction.

0395Further to the above, the data field is re-oriented and/or re-arranged in real time, or at least substantially in real time, with the rotation of the distal head. Such an embodiment provides a very responsive data display. In other embodiments, the re-orientation and/or re-arrangement of the data field can lag the rotation of the distal head. Such embodiments can provide a data display with less jitter. In various embodiments, a first portion of the data field is re-oriented and/or re-arranged at a first speed and a second portion of the data field is re-oriented and/or re-arranged at a second, or different, speed. For instance, the second portion can be rotated at a slower speed.

0396As discussed above, the data field on the display <b>10000</b> is rotated as the distal head of the end effector is rotated. However, in other embodiments, the data field, or a portion of the data field, is translated as the distal head is rotated. As also discussed above, the controller of the surgical instrument is configured to re-orient and/or re-arrange the data field on the handle display <b>10000</b>. However, the controller of the surgical instrument can re-orient and/or re-arrange the data field on a second display, such as a shaft display, for example.

0397Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 83</figref>, the tool assembly <b>2000</b> comprises an actuator <b>10200</b> configured to actuate the articulation drive system of the tool assembly <b>2000</b>. The actuator <b>10200</b> is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, a longitudinal axis of the shaft <b>2100</b>, for example. The actuator <b>10200</b> is operably coupled to a rheostat, for example, which is in signal communication with a controller of the handle <b>20</b>. When the actuator <b>10200</b> is rotated in a first direction about its longitudinal axis, the rheostat detects the rotation of the actuator <b>10200</b> and the controller operates the electric motor to articulate the end effector <b>2200</b> in a first direction. Similarly, when the actuator <b>10200</b> is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction about its longitudinal axis, the rheostat detects the rotation of the actuator <b>10200</b> and the controller operates the electric motor to articulate the end effector <b>2200</b> in a second, or opposite, direction. In various instances, the end effector <b>2200</b> can be articulated approximately 30 degrees from a longitudinal axis in a first direction and/or articulated approximately 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis in a second, or opposite, direction, for example.

0398As the reader should appreciate, further to the above, the tool assembly <b>2000</b> does not have an on-board electric motor configured to operate the articulation drive system; rather, the electric motor of the articulation drive system is in the handle, such as handle <b>20</b>, for example, to which the tool assembly <b>2000</b> is attached. As a result, an actuator on the detachable shaft assembly controls the operation of the handle. In other embodiments, the electric motor of the articulation driver system can be in the tool assembly <b>2000</b>. In either event, the display <b>10100</b> is configured to display, in at least some manner, the articulation of the end effector <b>2200</b>. As the reader should appreciate, the display <b>10100</b> is adjacent the actuator <b>10200</b> and, as a result, the surgeon is able to easily view the input and the output of the articulation drive system at the same time.

0399A surgical tool assembly comprising a contourable shaft, further to the above, can be advantageously shaped to fit within the rectum or colon of a patient, for example. Such a contourable shaft, however, cannot bear a significant amount of tensile and/or compressive loads. To compensate therefor, in various embodiments, only rotatable drive systems may extend through the contourable portion of the shaft. In such instances, the shaft need only resist the rotational reaction forces generated by the rotatable drive systems. In such embodiments, the rotational motion of the drive systems can be converted to linear motion, if necessary, distally with respect to the contourable shaft portion. Such longitudinal motions can generate tensile and/or compressive forces; however, such forces can be resolved, or balanced out, within the end effector, i.e., distally with respect to the contourable shaft portion. Such embodiments can also utilize an articulation joint positioned distally with respect to the contourable shaft portion. In such embodiments, the tool assembly may not utilize push-pull drive systems which traverse the contourable shaft portion.

0400An anvil <b>6020</b> of a circular stapling instrument is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 84 and 85</figref>. The anvil <b>6020</b> comprises a tissue compression surface <b>6022</b> and an annular array of staple forming pockets <b>6024</b> defined in the tissue compression surface <b>6022</b>. The anvil <b>6020</b> further comprises a frame <b>6028</b>, an attachment mount <b>6026</b>, and a stem extending from the attachment mount <b>6026</b>. The stem is configured to be releasably attached to a closure drive of the circular stapling instrument so that the anvil <b>6020</b> can be moved toward and away from a staple cartridge of the circular stapling instrument. The compression surface <b>6022</b>, the attachment mount <b>6026</b>, and the frame <b>6028</b> are comprised of stainless steel, for example; however, any suitable material, or materials, could be used.

0401Further to the above, the anvil <b>6020</b> comprises a tissue support <b>6030</b>. The tissue support <b>6030</b> is positioned within an annular aperture defined within the tissue support surface <b>6022</b>. The tissue support <b>6030</b> is snugly secured within the anvil <b>6020</b> such that there is little, if any, relative movement therebetween. The tissue support <b>6030</b> comprises an annular tissue support surface <b>6032</b> which is adjacent to the annular tissue compression surface <b>6022</b> of the anvil <b>6020</b>. The tissue support <b>6030</b> further comprises an inner annular wall <b>6036</b> defined therein and, in addition, a bottom wall <b>6038</b> positioned adjacent the anvil frame <b>6028</b> of the anvil <b>6020</b>.

0402Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref>, the circular stapling instrument comprises a staple cartridge <b>6040</b> including a first annular row of staples <b>6070</b>, a second annular row of staples <b>6080</b>, and a firing drive configured to eject the staples <b>6070</b> and <b>6080</b> from the staple cartridge <b>6040</b> during a firing stroke of the firing drive. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref>, the staples <b>6070</b> and <b>6080</b> are deformed by the forming pockets <b>6024</b> as they are ejected from the staple cartridge <b>6040</b>. In various instances, the staples <b>6070</b> and the staples <b>6080</b> are deformed to the same height while, in other instances, the staples <b>6070</b> and the staples <b>6080</b> are deformed to different heights. For example, the staples <b>6070</b> can be deformed to a shorter deformed height than the staples <b>6080</b>. In other examples, the staples <b>6080</b> are deformed to a shorter height than the staples <b>6070</b>.

0403In addition to or in lieu of the above, the staples <b>6070</b> and the staples <b>6080</b> can have different unformed heights. For example, the staples <b>6070</b> can have a shorter unformed height than the staples <b>6080</b>. In other examples, the staples <b>6080</b> have a shorter unformed height than the staples <b>6070</b>. In certain instances, the staples <b>6070</b> and the staples <b>6080</b> have the same unformed height.

0404As the staples <b>6070</b> and <b>6080</b> are deformed against the anvil <b>6020</b> to staple the tissue T captured between the anvil <b>6020</b> and the staple cartridge <b>6040</b>, further to the above, the stapling instrument can incise the tissue T. The firing drive, which ejects the staples from their staple cavities, drives a cutting member <b>6050</b> toward the tissue T and the anvil <b>6020</b>. The distal edge of the cutting member <b>6050</b> transects the tissue T and then slides along the inner sidewall <b>6036</b> of the tissue support <b>6030</b> without transecting the inner sidewall <b>6036</b>. The cutting edge of the cutting member <b>6050</b> is annular and it is aligned with the annular inner wall <b>6036</b> of the tissue support <b>6030</b>. The cutting member <b>6050</b> is advanced into the anvil <b>6020</b> until the cutting member <b>6050</b> transects the bottom wall <b>6038</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref>.

0405The firing drive experiences various loads when driving the staples <b>6070</b> and <b>6080</b> against the anvil <b>6020</b> and/or cutting the tissue. For instance, the firing drive may experience an increased load when transecting tissue that has been previously stapled, such as with staples <b>6090</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref>), for example. The transection of the bottom wall <b>6038</b> by the cutting member <b>6050</b>, however, creates a sudden change or impulse in the force transmitted through the firing drive. This sudden change by the force can be sensed by the clinician using the surgical stapler and/or an electronic sensor system configured to detect load changes in the firing drive. The tissue support <b>6030</b> can be comprised of a material that can snap when the cutting member <b>6050</b> applies a load to the bottom wall <b>6038</b>. In at least one instance, the tissue support <b>6030</b> is comprised of plastic, for example. In any event, the transection of the bottom wall <b>6038</b> can be detected and, once detected, the clinician and/or the electronic sensor system can determine that the cutting process has been completed.

0406The firing drive deforms the staples <b>6070</b>, <b>6080</b> and incises the tissue with the cutting member <b>6050</b> at the same time; however, it is contemplated that the staple forming and tissue cutting steps could be staggered. In at least one instance, the tissue cutting step does not begin until the staple forming step has been completed.

0407It should be appreciated from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref> that, while surface <b>6032</b> can partially support the tissue T, the cutting member <b>6050</b> can push the tissue T into the cavity defined between the inner wall <b>6036</b> of the tissue support <b>6030</b> and the attachment mount <b>6026</b> when the cutting member <b>6050</b> is moved toward the bottom wall <b>6038</b>. Stated another way, the cutting member <b>6050</b> can drag the tissue T along the wall <b>6036</b> before finally cutting it. In such instances, the incision made by the cutting member <b>6050</b> may not be precise. Discussed below are improvements to the embodiment disclosed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref>.

0408Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 87 and 88</figref>, the tissue support <b>6030</b> of anvil <b>6020</b> has been replaced with a tissue support <b>6130</b>. The tissue support <b>6130</b> comprises a first, or outer, annular wall <b>6131</b> and a second, or inner, annular wall <b>6133</b>. The inner wall <b>6133</b> defines an aperture <b>6136</b> configured to closely receive the attachment mount <b>6026</b>. The outer wall <b>6131</b> and the inner wall <b>6133</b> are connected by lateral walls <b>6132</b>. The lateral walls <b>6132</b> extend radially around a center of the tissue support <b>6130</b> between the inner wall <b>6133</b> and the outer wall <b>6131</b>. The lateral walls <b>6132</b> are evenly spaced apart from one another; however, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the lateral walls <b>6132</b> are not evenly spaced apart from one another. In either event, the lateral walls <b>6132</b> define an annular array of cavities <b>6134</b> in the tissue support <b>6130</b>. In various instances, each cavity <b>6134</b> can be enclosed on every side but the side facing the tissue, for example. In other instances, the side of the cavity facing the tissue can be enclosed.

0409The outer wall <b>6131</b> and the inner wall <b>6133</b> of the tissue support <b>6130</b> are configured to support the tissue as the tissue is being transected by the cutting member <b>6050</b>. The lateral walls <b>6132</b> also support the tissue and, in addition, block or resist the tissue from sliding relative to the outer wall <b>6131</b> and the inner wall <b>6133</b> as the tissue is being transected. It should be understood that the tissue can enter the cavities <b>6134</b> when the tissue is being transected; however, the relative movement between the tissue and the sidewalls can be greatly reduced. The composition and arrangement of the lateral walls <b>6132</b> can be selected to provide more support to the tissue or less support to the tissue depending on the amount of support that is desired. For instance, thicker lateral walls <b>6132</b> can provide more tissue support than thinner lateral walls <b>6132</b>. Similarly, more lateral walls <b>6132</b> can provide more tissue support than thinner lateral walls <b>6132</b>.

0410As the cutting member <b>6050</b> is moved through its cutting stroke, the cutting member <b>6050</b> cuts the tissue and transects the lateral walls <b>6132</b>. The cutting member <b>6050</b> is annular and transects the lateral walls <b>6132</b> adjacent the outer wall <b>6131</b>; however, a cutting member could transect the walls <b>6132</b> at any suitable location. In any event, the lateral walls <b>6132</b> support the tissue before, during, and after the tissue is cut and prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, the tissue being dragged along the outer wall <b>6131</b> and/or the inner wall <b>6133</b>. Similar to the tissue support <b>6030</b>, the tissue support <b>6130</b> comprises a bottom wall <b>6138</b> that is transected at the end of the cutting stroke.

0411A surgical stapler comprising a staple cartridge <b>6240</b> and an anvil <b>6220</b> is disclosed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 89 and 90</figref>. The staple cartridge <b>6240</b> is similar to the staple cartridge <b>6040</b> in many respects. The anvil <b>6220</b> is similar to the anvil <b>6020</b> and the anvil <b>6120</b> in many respects. The anvil <b>6220</b> comprises an attachment stem <b>6226</b> and an annular tissue support <b>6230</b> positioned around the attachment stem <b>6226</b>. The tissue support <b>6230</b> comprises a central aperture configured to closely receive the stem <b>6226</b>. The tissue support <b>6230</b> further comprises an annular outer wall <b>6231</b> positioned adjacent the tissue compression surface of the anvil <b>6220</b> and, in addition, lateral walls <b>6232</b> extending radially from the outer wall <b>6231</b>. The tissue support <b>6230</b> does not comprise an inner annual wall and the inner ends of the lateral walls <b>6232</b> are free to deflect. The tissue support <b>6230</b> further comprises a bottom wall <b>6238</b> which is incised by the cutting member <b>6050</b>, similar to the above.

0412A surgical stapler comprising the staple cartridge <b>6240</b> and the anvil <b>6220</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 91 and 92</figref>. The reader should appreciate, however, that the tissue support <b>6230</b> of the anvil <b>6220</b> has been replaced with a tissue support <b>6330</b>. The tissue support <b>6330</b> comprises an annular central aperture configured to closely receive the stem <b>6226</b>. The tissue support <b>6330</b> further comprises a top wall <b>6332</b>, a bottom wall <b>6338</b>, and sidewalls <b>6336</b> extending between the top wall <b>6332</b> and the bottom wall <b>6338</b>. The top wall <b>6332</b> and the bottom wall <b>6338</b> are parallel, or at least substantial parallel; however, embodiments are envisioned in which the walls <b>6332</b> and <b>6338</b> are not parallel. The sidewalls <b>6336</b> are parallel, or at least substantial parallel; however, embodiments are envisioned in which the sidewalls <b>6336</b> are not parallel.

0413The walls <b>6332</b>, <b>6336</b>, and <b>6338</b> define an annular cavity <b>6334</b> therebetween. The cavity <b>6334</b> is enclosed, or at least substantially enclosed, on all sides. The cavity <b>6334</b> extends uninterrupted around the stem <b>6226</b>; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the cavity <b>6334</b> is interrupted by sidewalls and/or changes in geometry, for example.

0414Similar to the above, the tissue support <b>6330</b> is configured to support the tissue as the tissue is being transected by the cutting member <b>6050</b>. The tissue support <b>6330</b> is closely received within the anvil <b>6220</b> such that the tissue support <b>6330</b> does not move, or at least substantially move, relative to the anvil <b>6220</b>. Moreover, the tissue support <b>6330</b> comprises a rigid box-shaped cross-section such that the deflection of the tissue support <b>6330</b> is minimized or insubstantial while the cutting member <b>6050</b> is transecting the tissue. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 91</figref>, a gap is present between the bottom wall <b>6338</b> and the inner side wall <b>6336</b>. Such a gap can provide some flexibility in the tissue support <b>6330</b>; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which no such gaps are present. The tissue support <b>6330</b> is comprised of plastic, for example; however, in various embodiments, the tissue support <b>6330</b> can be comprised of a flexible and/or elastomeric material, for example.

0415The cutting member <b>6050</b> transects the tissue support <b>6330</b> during its cutting stroke. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 92</figref>, the cutting member <b>6050</b> transects the top wall <b>6332</b> after transecting the tissue and then enters into the cavity <b>6334</b>. The top wall <b>6332</b> comprises an annular notch <b>6333</b> defined therein which is aligned with the annular cutting edge of the cutting member <b>6050</b>. The notch <b>6333</b> reduces the cross-section of the top wall <b>6332</b> and facilitates the incision of the top wall <b>6332</b>. The cutting member <b>6050</b> can also transect the bottom wall <b>6338</b> during its cutting stroke. As the reader should appreciate, the transection of the top wall <b>6332</b> and the bottom wall <b>6338</b> of the tissue support <b>6330</b> can create force pulses in the firing drive of the stapling instrument. The top wall <b>6332</b> and the bottom wall <b>6338</b> can be structurally configured to provide different pulses so that the clinician and/or electronic sensor system of the surgical instrument can discern the difference between the pulses and not incorrectly interpret the incision of the top wall <b>6332</b> as the end of the firing/cutting stroke.

0416Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 91 and 92</figref>, the top wall <b>6332</b> of the tissue support <b>6330</b> is aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the tissue compression surface <b>6022</b> of the anvil <b>6220</b>. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the top wall <b>6332</b> can be recessed with respect to the tissue compression surface <b>6022</b> and/or extend above the tissue compression surface <b>6022</b>. The top wall <b>6332</b> of the tissue support extends above the forming surfaces <b>6024</b> of the anvil <b>6220</b>. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the top wall <b>6332</b> can be recessed with respect to the forming surfaces <b>6024</b> and/or aligned with the forming surfaces <b>6024</b>.

0417A surgical stapler comprising the staple cartridge <b>6240</b> and the anvil <b>6220</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 93 and 94</figref>. The reader should appreciate, however, that the tissue support <b>6230</b> of the anvil <b>6220</b> has been replaced with a tissue support <b>6430</b>. The tissue support <b>6430</b> comprises an annular central aperture configured to closely receive the stem <b>6226</b>. The tissue support <b>6430</b> further comprises a top wall <b>6432</b>, a bottom wall <b>6438</b>, and sidewalls <b>6436</b> extending between the top wall <b>6432</b> and the bottom wall <b>6438</b>. The walls <b>6432</b>, <b>6436</b>, and <b>6438</b> define an annular cavity <b>6434</b> therebetween. The cavity <b>6434</b> is enclosed, or at least substantially enclosed, on all sides. The cavity <b>6434</b> extends uninterrupted around the stem <b>6226</b>; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the cavity <b>6434</b> is interrupted by sidewalls and/or changes in geometry, for example.

0418Similar to the above, the tissue support <b>6430</b> is configured to support the tissue as the tissue is being transected by the cutting member <b>6050</b>. The tissue support <b>6430</b> is closely received within the anvil <b>6220</b> such that the tissue support <b>6430</b> does not move, or at least substantially move, relative to the anvil <b>6220</b>. Moreover, the tissue support <b>6430</b> comprises a rigid polygonal cross-section such that the deflection of the tissue support <b>6430</b> is minimized or insubstantial while the cutting member <b>6050</b> is transecting the tissue. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 93</figref>, a gap is present between the bottom wall <b>6438</b> and the inner side wall <b>6436</b>. Such a gap can provide some flexibility in the tissue support <b>6430</b>; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which no such gaps are present. The tissue support <b>6430</b> is comprised of plastic, for example; however, in various embodiments, the tissue support <b>6430</b> can be comprised of a flexible and/or elastomeric material, for example.

0419As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 93 and 94</figref>, the inner sidewall <b>6436</b> is shorter than the outer sidewall <b>3436</b>; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the outer sidewall <b>6436</b> is shorter than the inner sidewall <b>6436</b>. Moreover, the top wall <b>6432</b> is not parallel to the bottom wall <b>6438</b>. More specifically, the top wall <b>6432</b> comprises an inclined portion which extends transversely to the bottom wall <b>6438</b> and/or other portions of the top wall <b>6432</b>.

0420The cutting member <b>6050</b> transects the tissue support <b>6430</b> during its cutting stroke. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 94</figref>, the cutting member <b>6050</b> transects the top wall <b>6432</b> after transecting the tissue and then enters into the cavity <b>6434</b>. The cutting member <b>6050</b> can also transect the bottom wall <b>6438</b> during its cutting stroke.

0421As discussed above, the tissue supports disclosed herein are configured to support tissue as the tissue is being incised by a cutting member. Oftentimes, the tissue being incised by the cutting member has been previously stapled, i.e., stapled during an earlier step in the surgical procedure, for example. In various instances, such staples may also be incised by the cutting member even though they are comprised of metal, such as titanium and/or stainless steel, for example. In other instances, such staples may not be incised by the cutting member; rather, they may be pushed into the material comprising the tissue support. Whether or not the staples are incised by the cutting member, the tissue supports disclosed herein, in various instances, comprise a sufficient strength and/or stiffness that prevents a staple trapped against the tissue support by the cutting member from creating more than localized plastic deformation in the tissue support. In at least one such instance, the localized plastic deformation is limited to less than one characteristic length (CL) of the staple in any direction with respect to the staple. In at least one instance, the material of the tissue support can be selected such that the staple trapped against the tissue support may only create a zone of plastic deformation in the tissue support that has a diameter of less than 2*CL, for example. In other instances, the material of the tissue support can be selected such that the staple trapped against the tissue support may only create a zone of plastic deformation in the tissue support that has a diameter of less than 1.5*CL, for example. A characteristic length of a staple can be the width of the staple crown, or backspan, and/or the formed height of the staple legs in their deformed configuration, for example. Moreover, the tissue supports disclosed herein can be comprised of a material which is sufficiently hard enough to support the staples as they are being incised by the cutting member. In at least one instance, the hardness of the material comprising the tissue support is equal to or greater than the hardness of the material comprising the staples being incised against the tissue support. In certain instances, the hardness of the material comprising the tissue support is less than the hardness of the material comprising the staples being incised; however, the structural design of the tissue support is sufficient to prevent the tissue support from plastically stretching beyond an acceptable zone of plastic deformation. In certain instances, the energy needed to incise the tissue and the formed staples in the tissue is less than the energy needed to incise the tissue support. In various instances, the material comprising the tissue support may be resistant to being gouged by the staples. In at least one instance, a biocompatible lubricant may be placed on and/or impregnated within the tissue support to prevent the staples from catching on the tissue support.

0422In various instances, the tissue compression surface of an anvil and the tissue contacting surface of a tissue support are flat, or at least substantially flat. Such an arrangement can distribute the force applied by the anvil onto the tissue over a large area. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the tissue compression surface of the anvil and/or the tissue contacting surface of the tissue support are not flat. In certain instances, the tissue compression surface of an anvil and/or the tissue contacting surface of a tissue support comprise tissue gripping members, or spikes, extending therefrom which are configured to engage and grip tissue. Such tissue gripping members can reduce relative movement, or slipping, between the tissue and the anvil, for example. In at least one instance, the density of the tissue gripping members on the tissue compression surface of the anvil and the tissue contacting surface of the tissue support is the same. In other instances, the density of the tissue gripping members on the tissue contacting surface of the tissue support is higher than the density of the tissue gripping members on the compression surface of the anvil. As the tissue support is positioned radially inwardly with respect to the compression surface of the anvil, the tissue gripping members can prevent the tissue from flowing or sliding radially inwardly in such an instance.

0423An anvil <b>6520</b> is disclosed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 95</figref>. The anvil <b>6520</b> comprises a tissue compression surface <b>6522</b> and, in addition, forming pockets defined in the tissue compression surface <b>6522</b> which are configured to deform staples into a desired configuration when the staples are ejected from their staple cartridge. Each forming pocket comprises a pair of cups, wherein each pair of cups is configured to deform the legs of a staple. For example, a pair of forming cups can include a first forming cup <b>6530</b><i>a </i>configured to deform the first leg of a staple and a second forming cup <b>6530</b><i>b </i>configured to deform the second leg of the staple. The first forming cup <b>6530</b><i>a </i>and the second forming cup <b>6530</b><i>b </i>are mirror images of one another with respect an axis <b>6531</b> extending between the first forming cup <b>6530</b><i>a </i>and the second forming cup <b>6530</b><i>b</i>; however, other arrangements can be utilized.

0424The first forming cup <b>6530</b><i>a </i>comprises a first, or outer, end <b>6532</b> and a second, or inner, end <b>6534</b>. The first forming cup <b>6530</b><i>a </i>further comprises a bottom, or bathtub, surface <b>6536</b> extending between the outer end <b>6532</b> and the inner end <b>6534</b>. The first end <b>6532</b> is configured to receive the leg of a staple and begin the forming process of the leg. The first end <b>6532</b> comprises a curved surface configured to deflect the staple leg toward the second end <b>6534</b>. The bottom surface <b>6536</b> comprises a curved, or concave, surface configured to at least partially turn the staple leg back toward the staple cartridge. The second end <b>6534</b> comprises a curved surface which is configured to guide the staple leg out of the forming cup <b>6530</b><i>a. </i>

0425The second forming cup <b>6530</b><i>b </i>comprises a similar construction to that of the first forming cup <b>6530</b><i>a </i>and is configured to deform a second leg of the staple. As a result of the above, the first forming cup <b>6530</b><i>a </i>guides the first leg of the staple toward the second leg and the second forming cup <b>6530</b><i>b </i>guides the second leg of the staple toward the first leg. In various instances, the first forming cup <b>6530</b><i>a </i>and the second forming cup <b>6530</b><i>b </i>co-operate to deform the staple into a B-shaped configuration, for example; however, the forming cups can be configured to deform a staple into any suitable configuration.

0426Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 96</figref>, each forming cup <b>6530</b> (<b>6530</b><i>a </i>and <b>6530</b><i>b</i>) comprises a first lateral sidewall <b>6537</b> and a second lateral sidewall <b>6539</b> extending between the first end <b>6532</b> and the second end <b>6534</b>. In various instances, the first lateral sidewall <b>6537</b> and the second lateral sidewall <b>6539</b> are mirror images of one another with respect to a longitudinal axis <b>6533</b> extending through the center of the forming cup <b>6530</b>. In other instances, the first lateral sidewall <b>6537</b> and the second lateral sidewall <b>6539</b> are not mirror images of each other. In either event, the sidewalls <b>6537</b>, <b>6539</b> are sloped or inclined so as to guide the staple leg toward the center of the forming cup, i.e., toward the axis <b>6533</b>, for example.

0427Each forming cup <b>6530</b> comprises a groove or channel <b>6538</b> defined in the bottom surface <b>6536</b> thereof. The groove <b>6538</b> extends longitudinally between the first end <b>6532</b> and the second end <b>6534</b> of the forming cup <b>6530</b>. The groove <b>6538</b> extends parallel to, and laterally offset with respect to, a central longitudinal axis <b>6535</b> of the forming cup <b>6530</b>. The groove <b>6538</b> is wider than the leg of the staple that is deformed by the forming cup <b>6530</b>; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the groove <b>6538</b> is narrower than the leg of the staple. In either event, the groove <b>6538</b> is configured to guide the staple leg along a predetermined path within the forming cup <b>6530</b>.

0428In various instances, the grooves of the forming cups <b>6530</b> are configured to twist the legs of the staple while the legs are being deformed. In at least one instance, a staple is planar, or at least substantially planar, before it is deformed. In at least one such instance, the legs and the base of the staple lie in the same plane which is aligned with the longitudinal axis <b>6535</b> when the staple is ejected from the staple cartridge. The first ends <b>6532</b> and the bottom surfaces <b>6536</b> are sloped and/or otherwise configured to guide the legs toward the grooves <b>6538</b> when the staple legs enter into the forming cups <b>6530</b>. Once the staple legs enter into the grooves <b>6538</b>, the grooves <b>6538</b> will twist the staple legs out of plane with the base of the staple. As a result of the above, the unformed staple configuration is planar but the formed staple configuration is non-planar Other embodiments are envisioned, however, in which a staple has a non-planar configuration before and after it has been deformed.

0429The grooves <b>6538</b> of the forming cups <b>6530</b>, for a given set of forming cups <b>6530</b>, are positioned on the same side of the longitudinal axis <b>6535</b> and are configured to twist both of the staple legs to the same side of the staple base. Other embodiments, however, are envisioned in which a first staple leg is twisted to one side of the staple base and a second staple leg is twisted to another side of the staple base. In at least one such embodiment, a first groove <b>6538</b> is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis <b>6535</b> that is configured to twist a first staple leg to a first side of the staple base while a second groove <b>6538</b> is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis <b>6535</b> that is configured to twist a second staple leg to a second side of the staple base.

0430The grooves <b>6538</b> of the forming cups <b>6530</b>, for a given set of forming cups <b>6530</b>, are collinear, or at least substantially collinear. Other embodiments, however, are envisioned in which the grooves <b>6538</b> are positioned on the same side of the longitudinal axis <b>6535</b> but are not collinear with each other. In at least one such instance, the grooves <b>6538</b> are parallel to each other while, in other such instances, the grooves <b>6538</b> are not parallel to each other.

0431Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 96</figref>, the groove <b>6538</b> is deeper than the bottom surface <b>6536</b> of the forming cup <b>6530</b>. Other embodiments, however, are envisioned in which the groove and the bottom surface of a forming cup have the same depth.

0432In various instances, the forming cups <b>6530</b> are arranged in longitudinal rows when the anvil <b>6520</b> is part of a longitudinal end effector configured to apply longitudinal rows of staples. In at least one such instance, the grooves <b>6538</b> of the forming cups are arranged such all of the staples deployed by the end effector are bent out of plane in the same direction. In other instances, the grooves <b>6538</b> are arranged in a first longitudinal row of forming cups <b>6530</b> to bend the staple legs in a first direction and a second longitudinal row of forming cups <b>6530</b> to bend the staple legs in a second, or different, direction. In certain instances, the grooves <b>6538</b> are arranged to bend the legs of a first staple in a staple row in a first direction and a second staple in the staple row in a second, or opposite, direction.

0433In various instances, the forming cups <b>6530</b> are arranged in annular rows when the anvil <b>6520</b> is part of an annular end effector configured to apply annular rows of staples. In at least one such instance, the grooves <b>6538</b> are positioned radially outwardly with respect to the center longitudinal axes <b>6535</b> of the forming cups <b>6530</b>. In other instances, the grooves <b>6538</b> are positioned radially inwardly with respect to the center longitudinal axes <b>6535</b> of the forming cups <b>6530</b>. In certain instances, the grooves <b>6538</b> are positioned radially outwardly in a first annular row of forming cups <b>6530</b> and radially inwardly in a second annular row of forming cups <b>6530</b>.

0434Further to the above, the forming pockets of an anvil can comprise any suitable configuration. In at least one instance, a forming pocket can comprise two forming cups which are mirror images of each other with respect to a central axis. Each forming cup comprises a triangular configuration having an outer end and an inner end. The inner ends of a pair of forming cups are adjacent to each other. The outer ends of the forming cups are wider than the inner ends and are configured to receive the legs of a staple. Each forming cup further comprises a bottom, or bathtub, surface extending between the outer end and the inner end and, in addition, a longitudinal groove defined in the bottom surface configured to guide the staple leg within the forming cup. In at least one instance, the longitudinal groove is centered in the bottom surface of the forming cup.

0435An end effector <b>7000</b> of a circular stapling assembly is disclosed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 97-99</figref>. The end effector <b>7000</b> comprises a staple cartridge including a deck <b>7030</b> and a cartridge body <b>7040</b>. The deck <b>7030</b> comprises a tissue compression surface <b>7031</b> and staple cavities <b>7032</b> defined in the compression surface <b>7031</b>. The staple cavities <b>7032</b> are arranged in a first, or inner, annular row and a second, or outer, annular row. Each staple cavity <b>7032</b> in the inner row comprises a first staple <b>7070</b><i>a </i>removably stored therein and each staple cavity <b>7032</b> in the outer row comprises a second staple <b>7070</b><i>b </i>removably stored therein.

0436The end effector <b>7000</b> further comprises staple drivers which are configured to push the staples out of the staple cartridge. For instance, the staple cartridge comprises a first annular row of staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>a </i>configured to eject the first row of staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>and a second annular row of staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>b </i>configured to eject the second row of staples <b>7070</b><i>b </i>cartridge body <b>7040</b>. The staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>a </i>and <b>7060</b><i>b </i>are positioned within and/or aligned with the staple cavities <b>7032</b> defined in the deck <b>7030</b>. The staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>a </i>and <b>7060</b><i>b </i>are slidable within the staple cavities <b>7032</b> to eject the staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>and <b>7070</b><i>b</i>, respectively, from the staple cavities <b>7032</b>.

0437The end effector <b>7000</b> further comprises an anvil <b>7020</b>. The anvil <b>7020</b> comprises a tissue compression surface <b>7021</b> and staple forming pockets <b>7022</b> defined in the compression surface <b>7021</b>. The staple forming pockets <b>7022</b> are arranged in a first, or inner, annular row and a second, or outer, annular row. The staple forming pockets <b>7022</b> are aligned with the staple cavities <b>7032</b> such that the staples <b>7070</b><i>a</i>, <b>7070</b><i>b </i>contact the staple forming pockets <b>7022</b> when the staples <b>7070</b><i>a</i>, <b>7070</b><i>b </i>are ejected from the staple cavities <b>7032</b>.

0438The end effector <b>7000</b> further comprises a firing member <b>7056</b> configured to lift the staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>a </i>and <b>7060</b><i>b </i>within the staple cavities <b>7032</b> to eject the staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>and <b>7070</b><i>b</i>, respectively, from the staple cavities <b>7032</b>. The firing member <b>7056</b> comprises a base <b>7054</b> and a ramp <b>7055</b>. The base <b>7054</b> is slidably positioned within a recess <b>7052</b> defined in a firing drive <b>7050</b>. The ramp <b>7055</b> is slidably positioned within a slot <b>7041</b> defined in the cartridge body <b>7040</b>. As described in greater detail below, the ramp <b>7055</b> is configured to slide within the slot <b>7041</b> and progressively contact the staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>a</i>, <b>7060</b><i>b </i>to eject the staples <b>7070</b><i>a</i>, <b>7070</b><i>b </i>from the staple cavities <b>7032</b>.

0439Further to the above, the firing member <b>7056</b> is movable through a firing stroke to eject the staples <b>7070</b><i>a</i>, <b>7070</b><i>b </i>from the staple cavities <b>7032</b>. During the firing stroke, the firing member <b>7056</b> is moved along a curved, or arcuate, path which is defined by the slot <b>7041</b>. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 97</figref>, the slot <b>7041</b> comprises a first end <b>7042</b> and a second end <b>7049</b> and a continuous path therebetween. The ramp <b>7055</b> of the firing member <b>7056</b> is positioned in the first end <b>7042</b> at the beginning of the firing stroke and the second end <b>7049</b> at the end of the firing stroke. The first end <b>7042</b> of the slot <b>7041</b> is aligned with the inner row of staple cavities <b>7032</b> and the second end <b>7049</b> of the slot <b>7041</b> is aligned with the outer row of staple cavities <b>7032</b>. The slot <b>7041</b> further comprises a first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> that extends around a central longitudinal axis <b>7090</b> extending through the end effector <b>7000</b>. The first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> of the slot <b>7041</b> is aligned with and extends under the staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>a </i>in the inner row of staple cavities <b>7032</b>. The ramp <b>7055</b> of the firing member sequentially engages the staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>a </i>to sequentially fire the staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>as the firing member <b>7056</b> moves through the first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> of the slot <b>7041</b>.

0440The first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> is defined by a constant, or at least substantially constant, radius of curvature about the longitudinal axis <b>7090</b>; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the radius of curvature of the first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> is not constant. In at least one such instance, the first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> comprises a spiral. Stated another way, in such an instance, the first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> recedes away from the longitudinal axis <b>7090</b> as it extends around the longitudinal axis <b>7090</b>.

0441The second circumferential portion <b>7045</b> of the slot <b>7041</b> is aligned with and extends under the staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>b </i>in the outer row of staple cavities <b>7032</b>. The ramp <b>7055</b> of the firing member sequentially engages the staple drivers <b>7060</b><i>b </i>to sequentially fire the staples <b>7070</b><i>b </i>as the firing member <b>7056</b> moves through the second circumferential portion <b>7045</b> of the slot <b>7041</b>. The second circumferential portion <b>7045</b> is defined by a constant, or at least substantially constant, radius of curvature about the longitudinal axis <b>7090</b>; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the radius of curvature of the second circumferential portion <b>7045</b> is not constant. In at least one such instance, the second circumferential portion <b>7045</b> comprises a spiral. Stated another way, in such an instance, the second circumferential portion <b>7045</b> recedes away from the longitudinal axis <b>7090</b> as it extends around the longitudinal axis <b>7090</b>.

0442Further to the above, the slot <b>7041</b> comprises a transition portion <b>7044</b> intermediate the first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> and the second circumferential portion <b>7045</b>. During the firing stroke, the ramp <b>7055</b> slides sequentially through the first circumferential portion <b>7043</b>, the transition portion <b>7044</b>, and then the second circumferential portion <b>7045</b>. The transition portion <b>7044</b> permits the firing member <b>7056</b> to shift between the first radius of curvature of the first staple row and the second radius of curvature of the second staple row. In certain embodiments, a transition portion <b>7044</b> between the first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> and the second circumferential portion <b>7045</b> may be unnecessary. In at least one such instance, the first circumferential portion <b>7043</b> can comprise a first spiral configuration and the second circumferential portion <b>7045</b> can comprise a second spiral configuration which is aligned such that the end of the first spiral configuration is aligned with the beginning of the second spiral configuration, for example.

0443The firing member <b>7056</b> is driven along its firing path by a firing drive <b>7050</b>. The firing drive <b>7050</b> is driven about the longitudinal axis <b>7090</b> by a handcrank and/or electric motor, for example. The firing drive <b>7050</b> comprises a drive recess <b>7052</b> defined therein. The base <b>7054</b> of the firing member <b>7056</b> is positioned in the drive recess <b>7052</b>. The drive recess <b>7052</b> is larger than the base <b>7054</b> of the firing member <b>7056</b> such that the base <b>7054</b> can move, or float, within the drive recess <b>7052</b>. The drive recess <b>7052</b> is defined by sidewalls which limit the movement of the base <b>7054</b> within the recess <b>7052</b>. When the firing drive <b>7050</b> is rotated about the longitudinal axis <b>7090</b>, a sidewall of the drive recess <b>7052</b> contacts the base <b>7054</b> and pushes the drive member <b>7056</b> through the slot <b>7051</b>. As discussed above, the slot <b>7051</b> has one or more changes in its radius of curvature and, when the firing member <b>7056</b> moves through such changes, the base <b>7054</b> of the firing member <b>7056</b> can slide within the drive recess.

0444As described above, the staples in the first, or inner, row of staples are deployed sequentially and, then, the staples in the second, or outer, row of staples are deployed sequentially. Such an embodiment can control the inner periphery of the colon before stapling outwardly, for example. In other embodiments, the staples in the outer row of staples are deployed sequentially and, then, the staples in the inner row of staples are deployed sequentially. Such an embodiment can establish a boundary in the colon tissue before stapling inwardly, for example.

0445In various instances, further to the above, the first staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>and the second staples <b>7070</b><i>b </i>have the same unformed height. In at least one such instance, the first staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>and the second staples <b>7070</b><i>b </i>are formed to the same formed height. In other such instances, the first staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>are formed to a first formed height and the second staples <b>7070</b><i>b </i>can be formed to a second formed height which is different than the first formed height. In at least one such instance, the first formed height of the inner row of staples is shorter than the second formed height of the outer row of staples. Such an arrangement can provide for a more gradual transition between the stapled tissue and the unstapled tissue, for example. In other instances, the first formed height of the inner row of staples is taller than the second formed height of the outer row of staples. Such an arrangement can allow the innermost tissue of a stapled bowel, for example, to be more flexible, for example.

0446In certain instances, further to the above, the first staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>have a first unformed height and the second staples <b>7070</b><i>b </i>have a second unformed height which is different than the first unformed height. In at least one such instance, the first staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>and the second staples <b>7070</b><i>b </i>are formed to the same formed height. In other such instances, the first staples <b>7070</b><i>a </i>are formed to a first formed height and the second staples <b>7070</b><i>b </i>are formed to a second formed height which is different than the first formed height.

0447The end effector <b>7000</b> has two annular rows of staples; however, an end effector can have any suitable number of annular staple rows. For example, an end effector can have three annular rows of staples. In at least one such instance, the staples in a first annular row can have a first unformed staple height, the staples in a second annular row can have a second unformed staple height, and the third staples in a third annular row can have a third unformed staple height. Moreover, in at least one such instance, the staples in a first annular row can have a first deformed staple height, the staples in a second annular row can have a second deformed staple height, and the third staples in a third annular row can have a third deformed staple height.

0448A firing drive <b>7150</b> is depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 100-105</figref>. The firing drive <b>7150</b> comprises a rotatable drive shaft <b>7152</b> that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The firing drive <b>7150</b> further comprises a three-stage sequential driver assembly comprising a first, or inner, driver <b>7154</b><i>a</i>, a second, or intermediate, driver <b>7154</b><i>b</i>, and a third, or outer, driver <b>7154</b><i>c</i>. The drive shaft <b>7152</b> comprises a drive pin <b>7151</b> extending therefrom. The drive pin <b>7151</b> extends through a drive slot in each of the drivers <b>7154</b><i>a</i>, <b>7154</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7154</b><i>c</i>. For instance, the first driver <b>7154</b><i>a </i>comprises a first drive slot <b>7153</b><i>a </i>defined therein, the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>comprises a second drive slot <b>7153</b><i>b </i>defined therein, and the third driver <b>7154</b><i>c </i>comprises a third drive slot <b>7153</b><i>c </i>defined therein. The drive slots <b>7153</b><i>a</i>, <b>7153</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7153</b><i>c </i>do not have the same configuration; however, the drive slots <b>7153</b><i>a</i>, <b>7153</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7153</b><i>c </i>have overlapping configurations that are aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with each other at the drive pin <b>7151</b>. For instance, the drive pin <b>7151</b> is in an unfired position in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref> and the drive slots <b>7153</b><i>a</i>, <b>7153</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7153</b><i>c </i>are aligned with the drive pin <b>7151</b>.

0449Further to the above, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref> illustrates drivers <b>7154</b><i>a</i>, <b>7154</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7154</b><i>c </i>in an unfired position. When the drive shaft <b>7152</b> is rotated through a first portion of its firing stroke, referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 101</figref>, the drive pin <b>7151</b> is rotated through a circumferential path where the drive pin <b>7151</b> engages a sidewall of the drive slot <b>7153</b><i>a </i>and pushes, or cams, the first driver <b>7154</b><i>a </i>distally. Notably, the drive pin <b>7151</b> has not driven the drivers <b>7154</b><i>b </i>and <b>7154</b><i>c </i>distally during the first portion of the firing stroke. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref>, the drive slots <b>7153</b><i>b </i>and <b>7153</b><i>c </i>are aligned with the circumferential path of the drive pin <b>7151</b> throughout the first portion of the firing stroke. The first driver <b>7154</b><i>a </i>is configured to fire a first annular row of staples when the first driver <b>7154</b><i>a </i>is displaced distally.

0450When the drive shaft <b>7152</b> is rotated through a second portion of its firing stroke, referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 102</figref>, the drive pin <b>7151</b> is rotated through a circumferential path where the drive pin <b>7151</b> engages a sidewall of the drive slot <b>7153</b><i>b </i>and pushes, or cams, the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>distally. Notably, the drive pin <b>7151</b> has not driven the driver <b>7154</b><i>c </i>distally during the second portion of the firing stroke Similar to the above, the drive slots <b>7153</b><i>a </i>and <b>7153</b><i>c </i>are aligned with the circumferential path of the drive pin <b>7151</b> throughout the second portion of the firing stroke. The second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>is configured to fire a second annular row of staples when the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>is displaced distally.

0451When the drive shaft <b>7152</b> is rotated through a third portion of its firing stroke, referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 103</figref>, the drive pin <b>7151</b> is rotated through a circumferential path where the drive pin <b>7151</b> engages a sidewall of the drive slot <b>7153</b><i>c </i>and pushes, or cams, the third driver <b>7154</b><i>c </i>distally Similar to the above, the drive slots <b>7153</b><i>a </i>and <b>7153</b><i>b </i>are aligned with the circumferential path of the drive pin <b>7151</b> throughout the third portion of the firing stroke. The third driver <b>7154</b><i>c </i>is configured to deploy a cutting member when the third driver <b>7154</b><i>c </i>is displaced distally; however, in certain embodiments, the third driver <b>7154</b><i>c </i>can deploy a third row of staples, for example.

0452As a result of the above, there is no overlap between the first staple firing stage, the second staple firing stage, and the tissue cutting stage. They are timed sequentially. Accordingly, the forces required to deform the staples and cut the tissue are spread out throughout the firing stroke. Moreover, the firing drive <b>7150</b> cannot cut the tissue until the tissue has been stapled. Various alternative embodiments are envisioned in which there is some overlap between the first staple firing stage, the second staple firing stage, and/or the tissue cutting stage. In at least one such embodiment, the configurations of the drive slots <b>7153</b><i>a</i>, <b>7153</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7153</b><i>c </i>can be adapted such that there is a partial overlap in the movement of the first driver <b>7154</b><i>a </i>and the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>and/or a partial overlap in the movement of the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>and the third driver <b>7154</b><i>c. </i>

0453Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 103 and 104</figref>, the drivers <b>7154</b><i>a</i>, <b>7154</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7154</b><i>c </i>comprise co-operating features which prevent, or at least inhibit, the drivers <b>7154</b><i>a</i>, <b>7154</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7154</b><i>c </i>from rotating relative to one another. For instance, the first driver <b>7154</b><i>a </i>comprises a longitudinal key <b>7155</b><i>a </i>positioned in a longitudinal slot <b>7156</b><i>b </i>defined in the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b</i>. The key <b>7155</b><i>a </i>and the slot <b>7156</b><i>b </i>are configured to permit the first driver <b>7154</b><i>a </i>to slide longitudinally relative to the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>but block rotational movement between the first driver <b>7154</b><i>a </i>and the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b</i>. Similarly, the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>comprises a longitudinal key <b>7155</b><i>b </i>positioned in a longitudinal slot <b>7156</b><i>c </i>defined in the third driver <b>7154</b><i>c</i>. The key <b>7155</b><i>b </i>and the slot <b>7156</b><i>c </i>are configured to permit the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>to slide longitudinally relative to the third driver <b>7154</b><i>c </i>but block rotational movement between the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b </i>and the third driver <b>7154</b><i>c. </i>

0454In order to retract the drivers <b>7154</b><i>a</i>, <b>7154</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7154</b><i>c</i>, the drive shaft <b>7152</b> is rotated in an opposite direction. In such instances, the drive shaft <b>7152</b> sequentially engages a sidewall of the drive slot <b>7153</b><i>c</i>, a sidewall of the drive slot <b>7153</b><i>b</i>, and then a sidewall of the drive slot <b>7153</b><i>a </i>to return the third driver <b>7154</b><i>c</i>, the second driver <b>7154</b><i>b</i>, and the first driver <b>7154</b><i>a </i>back to their unfired positions (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 100</figref>).

0455A firing drive <b>7250</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 106</figref>. The firing drive <b>7250</b> operates in a similar manner to that of the firing drive <b>7150</b>. The firing drive <b>7250</b> comprises a drive shaft <b>7252</b> which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The drive shaft <b>7252</b> comprises a cam surface, or ramp, <b>7256</b> which is rotated through several stages of a firing stroke. The firing drive <b>7250</b> further comprises a first driver <b>7254</b><i>a</i>, a second driver <b>7254</b><i>b</i>, and a third driver <b>7254</b><i>c </i>which are engaged by the cam <b>7256</b> of the drive shaft <b>7252</b> when the firing drive <b>7250</b> is rotated. In the first stage of the firing stroke, the cam <b>7256</b> engages a cam surface <b>7255</b><i>a </i>defined on the first driver <b>7254</b><i>a </i>and drives the first driver <b>7254</b><i>a </i>distally. In the second stage of the firing stroke, the cam <b>7256</b> engages a cam surface <b>7255</b><i>b </i>defined on the second driver <b>7254</b><i>b </i>and drives the second driver <b>7254</b><i>b </i>distally and, in the third stage of the firing stroke, the cam <b>7256</b> engages a cam surface <b>7255</b><i>c </i>defined on the third driver <b>7254</b><i>c </i>and drives the third driver <b>7254</b><i>c </i>distally.

0456The first cam surface <b>7255</b><i>a </i>is shorter than the second cam surface <b>7255</b><i>b </i>and, as a result, the first driver <b>7254</b><i>a </i>has a shorter firing stroke than the second driver <b>7254</b><i>b</i>. Similarly, the second cam surface <b>7255</b><i>b </i>is shorter than the third cam surface <b>7255</b><i>c </i>and, as a result, the second driver <b>7254</b><i>b </i>has a shorter firing stroke than the third driver <b>7254</b><i>c</i>. Such an arrangement may be useful to form different rows of staples to different formed heights, for example. In other embodiments, the drivers <b>7254</b><i>a</i>, <b>7254</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7254</b><i>c </i>may have any suitable firing stroke. In at least one embodiment, the drivers <b>7254</b><i>a</i>, <b>7254</b><i>b</i>, and <b>7254</b><i>c </i>have the same firing stroke, for example. Such an arrangement may be useful to form different rows of staples to the same formed height, for example.

0457<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref> is a perspective view of a portion of a staple cartridge <b>4410</b> for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment. A variety of circular surgical stapling instruments are known. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses various circular surgical stapling instrument arrangements. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,070, filed Sep. 26, 2014, entitled CIRCULAR FASTENER CARTRIDGES FOR APPLYING RADIALLY EXPANDING FASTENER LINES, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein also discloses various circular surgical stapler arrangements. As discussed in those references, a circular surgical stapler generally comprises a frame assembly that comprises an attachment portion that is configured to operably couple an anvil to the circular surgical stapler.

0458In general, the anvil includes an anvil head that supports an annular line or lines of staple-forming pockets. An anvil stem or trocar portion is attached to the anvil head and is configured to be removably coupled to the anvil attachment portion of the circular stapling instrument. Various circular surgical stapling instruments include means for selectively moving the anvil toward and away from the surgical staple cartridge such that the target tissue may be clamped between the anvil and the deck of the surgical staple cartridge. The surgical staple cartridge removably stores a plurality of surgical staples therein that are arranged in one or more annular arrays that correspond to the arrangement of staple forming pockets provided in the anvil. The staples are removably stored within corresponding staple cavities that are formed in the staple cartridge and are supported on corresponding portions of a selectively movable pusher assembly that is operably received within the circular stapler. The circular stapler further includes an annular knife or cutting member that is configured to incise the tissue that is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge.

0459Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref>, the staple cartridge <b>4410</b> comprises a cartridge body <b>4411</b> that defines an annular cartridge deck surface <b>4412</b>. The cartridge body <b>4411</b> comprises an inner annular row <b>4420</b> of spaced inner staple cavities <b>4422</b> and an outer annular row <b>4440</b> of spaced outer staple cavities <b>4442</b>. The inner staple cavities <b>4422</b> are staggered relative to the outer spaced staple cavities <b>4442</b> as can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref>. Supported within each inner staple cavity <b>4422</b> is an inner surgical staple <b>4430</b> and supported within each outer staple cavity <b>4442</b> is an outer surgical staple <b>4450</b>. The outer staples <b>4450</b> in the outer annular row <b>4440</b> may have different characteristics than the inner staples <b>4430</b> in the inner annular row <b>4420</b>. For example, as illustrated in the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 108</figref>, the outer staples <b>4450</b> have an unformed “gullwing” configuration. In particular, each outer staple <b>4450</b> includes a pair of legs <b>4454</b>, <b>4464</b> that extend from a staple crown <b>4452</b>. Each leg <b>4454</b>, <b>4464</b> includes a vertical portion <b>4456</b>, <b>4466</b>, respectively that extends from the crown <b>4452</b>. The vertical portions <b>4456</b>, <b>4466</b> may be parallel to each other in one embodiment. However, in the illustrated arrangement, the vertical portions <b>4456</b>, <b>4466</b> are not parallel to each other. For example, the angle A₁between the crown <b>4452</b> and the vertical portions <b>4456</b>, <b>4466</b> in the illustrated arrangement is greater than ninety degrees. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 108</figref>. Further details regarding the staple configuration may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297232, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. However, other the vertical portions <b>4456</b>, <b>4466</b> may be arranged at other angles with respect to the crown <b>4452</b>. One advantage of having the vertical leg portions <b>4456</b>, <b>4466</b> oriented at angles greater than ninety degrees relative to the crown <b>4452</b> is that such arrangement may assist in the temporary retention of the staple within its corresponding staple cavity.

0460At least one leg <b>4454</b>, <b>4464</b> includes an inwardly extending end portion. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 108</figref> for example, each leg <b>4454</b>, <b>4464</b> includes an inwardly extending leg portion. In the illustrated arrangement, leg portion <b>4458</b> extends inwardly from the vertical leg portion <b>4456</b> and the leg portion <b>4468</b> extends inwardly from the vertical leg portion <b>4466</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 108</figref>, the leg portion <b>4458</b> is shorter than the leg portion <b>4468</b>. Stated another way, the distance H_Abetween the staple crown <b>4452</b> and the point where the leg portion <b>4458</b> angles inward from the vertical leg portion <b>4456</b> is greater than the distance H_Cbetween the staple crown <b>4452</b> and the point where the leg portion <b>4468</b> angles inward from the vertical leg portion <b>4466</b>. Thus, distance H_Bin at least one embodiment is shorter than the length H_D. The angle A₂at which the leg portion <b>4458</b> angles relative to the vertical leg portion <b>4556</b> may be equal to the angle A₃at which the leg portion <b>4468</b> angles relative to the vertical leg portion <b>4466</b> or angles A₂and A₃may be different from each other. Further details regarding the staple configuration may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297232, which has been herein incorporated by reference.

0461In at least one embodiment, each inner surgical staple <b>4430</b> may have the configuration illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 108</figref>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 108</figref>, the inner surgical staple <b>4430</b> has a crown <b>4432</b> and two vertical legs <b>4434</b>, <b>4436</b> extending therefrom. The vertical legs <b>4434</b>, <b>4436</b> may extend relatively perpendicularly from the crown <b>4432</b> or they may extend at angles A₄that may be greater than ninety degrees. Such arrangement may assist in the temporary retention of the staples <b>4430</b> within their corresponding staple cavity <b>4422</b>. However, vertical legs <b>4434</b>, <b>4436</b> may extend from the crown <b>4432</b> at different angles. In some embodiments, angles A₄are equal to each other. In other embodiments, angles A₄are different from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner staples <b>4430</b> and the outer staples <b>4450</b> each have the same unformed height UFH. The inner and outer staples <b>4430</b>, <b>4450</b> are formed from conventional surgical staple wire. In at least one embodiment, the diameter of the staple wire used to form the outer staples <b>4450</b> is greater than the diameter of the staple wire used to form the inner staples <b>4430</b>. In other embodiments, the inner and outer staples may have the same diameters and be formed from wires with other diameters. In some arrangements, the inner and outer staples may be formed from the same type of staple wire. Thus, in such arrangement, the wire diameters of the inner and outer staples would be the same. In yet another embodiment, however, the inner and outer staples may have the same unformed shapes/configurations, yet be formed from two different staple wires that have different wire diameters. Also in at least one arrangement, the crown width CW_Oof each outer staple <b>4450</b> is larger than the crown width CW_Iof each inner staple <b>4430</b>. Further details regarding the staple configuration may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297232, which has been herein incorporated by reference.

0462Returning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref>, the staple cartridge <b>4410</b> includes an outer rim <b>4414</b> that extends above the deck surface <b>4412</b>. During surgery, the clinician can adjust the location of the anvil relative to the cartridge of a circular stapler. In at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge <b>4410</b> further comprises deck features <b>4416</b> and <b>4418</b> that extend from the deck surface <b>4412</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref>, a series of inner deck features <b>4416</b> are provided between the inner row <b>4420</b> of staple cavities <b>4422</b> and a centrally-disposed knife opening <b>4413</b> through which the knife or cutting member will pass during the firing process. The deck features <b>4416</b> may be shaped and located relative to the inner staple cavities and opening <b>4413</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 107, 109 and 110</figref>. For example, each inner deck feature <b>4416</b> may have a flat wall portion <b>4415</b> that is coextensive with the wall of the knife opening <b>4413</b> and a conical or sloping body portion <b>4417</b> that is adjacent to the row of inner staple cavities <b>4422</b>. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 109 and 110</figref>. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref>, the deck features <b>4416</b> are oriented in the gap between two adjacent inner staple cavities <b>4422</b> and are staggered between pairs of staple cavities <b>4422</b> as shown. The cavity extension arrangements or deck features in this system may serve to lower pressure that is commonly encountered in flat deck cartridges. This disclosed arrangement may also help to mitigate tissue movement and slippage. Since slippage of the tissue is generally undesirable, the outside diameter holding features may be bigger and more numerous. The internal diameter features may serve to increase tissue tension/shear as the blade passes next to the inside internal diameter which may make the system cut better. However, the deck features <b>4416</b> may have different shapes and configurations and may be located in different locations on the deck surface <b>4412</b>.

0463As can also be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 107, 109 and 110</figref>, every other outer staple cavity <b>4442</b> includes an outer deck feature <b>4418</b> that is associated with each end thereof. Outer deck features <b>4418</b> extend above the deck surface <b>4412</b> and guide the outer staples <b>4450</b> toward the anvil when the staples <b>4450</b> are being ejected from the staple cartridge <b>4410</b>. In such embodiments, the outer staples <b>4450</b> may not extend above the outer deck features <b>4418</b> until they are moved toward the anvil by the firing member. Referring primarily to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref>, in at least one embodiment, the outer deck features <b>4418</b> do not extend around the entirety of the corresponding outer staple cavity <b>4442</b>. A first outer deck feature <b>4418</b> is positioned adjacent a first end of a corresponding outer cavity <b>4442</b> and a second outer deck feature <b>4418</b> is positioned adjacent a second end of the outer cavity <b>4442</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 107</figref>, the outer deck features <b>4418</b> are associated with every other one of the outer staple cavities <b>4442</b>. Such arrangement may serve to lower overall pressure and minimize tissue stretch and movement. In other embodiments, first and second outer deck features <b>4418</b> may be associated with every one of the outer staple cavities <b>4442</b>, however. In yet other embodiments, an outer deck feature may extend around the entire perimeter of a corresponding outer cavity. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 109</figref>, the inner deck features <b>4416</b> are shorter than the outer deck features <b>4418</b>. Stated another way, each inner deck feature protrudes above the deck surface <b>4412</b> a distance that is less than the distance that each outer deck feature <b>4418</b> protrudes above the deck surface <b>4412</b>. Each outer deck feature may protrude above the deck surface <b>4412</b> the same distance that the outer rim <b>4414</b> protrudes above the deck surface <b>4412</b>. In addition, as can also be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 109</figref>, each outer deck feature <b>4418</b> has a generally conical or tapered outer profile which may help to prevent tissue from snagging on the deck features during insertion of the stapler head through a patient's colon and rectum.

0464The above-mentioned deck feature arrangements may provide one or more advantages. For example, the upstanding outer rim may help to prevent tissue from sliding across the cartridge deck. This upstanding rim could also comprise a repeating pattern of highs and lows rather than being one continuous lip formation. The inside upstanding features may also help to retain the tissue adjacent to the blade and lead to improved cutting. The inside deck features could be between every cavity or in alternative arrangements, the deck feature(s) may comprise one continuous upstanding lip. It may be desirable to balance the number of deck features to minimize the number of high force/compression zones while attaining a desired amount of tissue immobilization. The cavity concentric features may serve the additional purpose of minimization of tissue flow in the areas where the staple legs project from. Such arrangements also facilitate desirable staple formation as the staple legs eject and transition to the receiving anvil pocket which may consist of corresponding forming pockets. Such localized pocket features increase the low compression zones while facilitating leg support from the cartridge as the staple exits the cartridge. This arrangement thereby minimizes the distance that the staple must “jump” before it meets the anvil pocket. Tissue flow tends to increase going from the center of the cartridge radially outward. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 118</figref>, the improved standing outside row extensions have a tendency to stage tissue as they are inserted up through the colon because it is a tube.

0465<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 109 and 110</figref> illustrate use of the surgical staple cartridge <b>4410</b> in connection with an anvil <b>4480</b>. The anvil <b>4480</b> comprises an anvil head portion <b>4482</b> that operably supports a staple forming insert or portion <b>4484</b> and a knife washer <b>4490</b>. The knife washer <b>4490</b> is supported in confronting relationship to the knife <b>4492</b> that is supported in the stapler head. In the illustrated embodiment, the staple forming insert <b>4484</b> is fabricated from, for example, steel, stainless steel, etc. and contains an inner row of inner staple forming pockets <b>4486</b> and an outer row of outer staple forming pockets <b>4488</b>. Each inner staple forming pocket <b>4486</b> corresponds to one of the inner staple cavities <b>4422</b> and each outer staple forming pocket <b>4488</b> corresponds to one of the outer staple cavities <b>4442</b>. In the illustrated arrangement, when the anvil <b>4480</b> is moved to its firing position relative to the cartridge deck surface <b>4412</b>, the inner staple forming pockets <b>4486</b> are closer to the cartridge deck surface <b>4412</b> than are the outer staple forming pockets <b>4488</b>. Stated another way, the first gap g₁or first staple forming distance between a first staple forming portion <b>4485</b> and the cartridge deck surface <b>4412</b> is less than the second gap g₂or second staple forming distance between a second staple forming portion <b>4487</b> and the cartridge deck surface <b>4412</b>.

0466As can be further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 109 and 110</figref>, the inner staples <b>4430</b> are each supported within their corresponding inner staple cavity <b>4422</b> on a corresponding inner driver portion <b>4502</b> of a pusher assembly <b>4500</b> and each of the outer staples <b>4450</b> are supported within their corresponding outer staple cavity <b>4442</b> on a corresponding outer driver portion <b>4504</b>. Advancement of the pusher assembly <b>4500</b> toward the anvil <b>4480</b> will cause the inner and outer staples <b>4430</b>, <b>4450</b> to be driven into forming contact with their respective corresponding staple forming pockets <b>4486</b>, <b>4488</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 110</figref>. In addition, the knife <b>4492</b> is advanced distally through the tissue that is clamped between the anvil <b>4480</b> and the deck surface <b>4412</b> and through a frangible bottom <b>4491</b> of the knife washer <b>4490</b>. Such arrangement serves to provide the outer staples <b>4450</b> with a formed height FH_Othat is larger than the formed height FH_Iof the inner staples <b>4430</b>. Stated another way, the outer row <b>4440</b> of outer staples <b>4450</b> are formed into a larger “B” formation resulting in a greater capture volume and/or taller staple forming height to alleviate high tissue compression near the outer row of staples <b>4440</b>. A larger B formation may also improve blood flow toward the inner rows. In various instances, the outer row <b>4440</b> of outer staples <b>4450</b> comprise a greater resistance to unfolding by utilizing a larger staple crown, staple leg widths, and/or staple leg thicknesses.

0467The quantity of staples used in each row of staples can vary. In one embodiment, for example, there are more outer staples <b>4450</b> than there are inner staples <b>4430</b>. Another embodiment employs more inner staples <b>4430</b> than outer staples <b>4450</b>. In various instances, the wire diameter of the outer staples <b>4450</b> is larger than the wire diameter of the inner staples <b>4430</b>. The inner and outer staples <b>4430</b>, <b>4450</b> may have the same unformed heights UFH. The crown widths CW_Oin the outer row <b>4440</b> of outer staples <b>4450</b> are larger than the crown widths CW_Iof the inner row <b>4420</b> of inner staples <b>4430</b>. The gullwing configuration of the outer staples <b>4450</b> employs bends that are located at different distances from their respective crown. Use of the stepped anvil configuration with a flat (unstepped) cartridge deck surface <b>4412</b> with uniform driver or pusher travel yield staples with different formed heights.

0468<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 111</figref> illustrates another staple cartridge embodiment <b>4610</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 111</figref>, the staple cartridge <b>4610</b> includes a cartridge deck <b>4612</b> that includes an inner annular row <b>4620</b> of spaced inner staple cavities <b>4622</b> and an outer annular row <b>4640</b> of outer spaced staple cavities <b>4642</b>. The inner staple cavities <b>4622</b> are staggered relative to the outer spaced staple cavities <b>4642</b> as can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 111</figref>. Supported within each inner staple cavity <b>4622</b> is an inner surgical staple <b>4630</b> and supported within each outer staple cavity <b>4642</b> is an outer surgical staple <b>4650</b>. In addition, an outer rim <b>4614</b> extends above the deck surface <b>4612</b>. In various embodiments, further to the above, the staples <b>4630</b>, <b>4650</b> do not protrude above the deck surface <b>4612</b> until they are moved toward the anvil by the firing member. Such embodiments may frequently utilize small staples relative to the depth of their respective staple cavity in which they are stored. In other embodiments, the legs of the staples protrude above the deck surface <b>4612</b> when the staples are in their unfired positions. In at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge <b>4610</b> further comprises deck features <b>4616</b> and <b>4618</b> that extend from the deck surface <b>4612</b>.

0469As can also be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 111</figref>, every other inner staple cavity <b>4622</b> includes an inner deck feature <b>4616</b> that is associated with each end thereof. Inner deck features <b>4616</b> extend above the deck surface <b>4612</b> and guide the corresponding inner staples <b>4630</b> toward the anvil when the corresponding inner staples <b>4630</b> are being ejected from the staple cartridge <b>4610</b>. In such embodiments, the inner staples <b>4630</b> may not extend above the inner deck features <b>4616</b> until they are moved toward the anvil by the firing member. In the illustrated example, the inner deck features <b>4616</b> do not extend around the entirety of the corresponding inner staple cavity <b>4622</b>. A first inner deck feature <b>4616</b> is positioned adjacent a first end of a corresponding inner cavity <b>4622</b> and a second inner deck feature <b>4616</b> is positioned adjacent a second end of the inner cavity <b>4622</b>. In other embodiments, the inner deck features <b>4416</b> may be associated with every one of the inner staple cavities <b>4622</b>, however. In yet other embodiments, an inner deck feature may extend around the entire perimeter of a corresponding inner staple cavity. By employing deck features that have different heights in concentric patterns wherein they are associated with every other cavity may provide more lower pressure tissue gap areas, while balancing them with the desire to guide as many and as much of the staple leg for as long as possible. Stated another way, such arrangement may minimize the amount of tissue flow reducing the overall amount of pressure applied to the target tissue.

0470Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 111</figref>, each outer staple cavity <b>4642</b> includes an outer deck feature <b>4618</b> that is associated with each end thereof. Outer deck features <b>4618</b> extend above the deck surface <b>4612</b> and guide the outer staples <b>4650</b> toward the anvil when the staples <b>4650</b> are being ejected from the staple cartridge <b>4610</b>. In such embodiments, the outer staples <b>4650</b> may not extend above the outer deck features <b>4618</b> until they are moved toward the anvil by the firing member. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 111</figref>, in the illustrated example, the outer deck features <b>4618</b> do not extend around the entirety of the corresponding outer staple cavity <b>4642</b>. A first outer deck feature <b>4618</b> is positioned adjacent a first end of a corresponding outer cavity <b>4642</b> and a second outer deck feature <b>4618</b> is positioned adjacent a second end of the outer cavity <b>4642</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 111</figref>, outer deck features <b>4618</b> are associated with every one of the outer staple cavities <b>4642</b>. In other embodiments, first and second outer deck features <b>4618</b> may be associated with every other one of the outer staple cavities <b>4642</b>, however. In yet other embodiments, an outer deck feature may extend around the entire perimeter of a corresponding outer cavity. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 112 and 113</figref>, the inner deck features <b>4616</b> and the outer deck features <b>4618</b> extend above the deck surface <b>4612</b> the same distance. Stated another way, they have the same heights. In addition, as can also be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 112 and 113</figref>, each inner deck feature <b>4416</b> and each outer deck feature <b>4618</b> has a generally conical or tapered outer profile which may help to prevent tissue from snagging on the deck features during insertion of the stapler head through a patient's colon and rectum.

0471<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 112 and 113</figref> illustrate use of the surgical staple cartridge <b>4610</b> in connection with an anvil <b>4680</b>. The anvil <b>4680</b> comprises an anvil head portion <b>4682</b> that operably supports a staple forming insert or portion <b>4684</b> and a knife washer <b>4690</b>. The knife washer <b>4690</b> is supported in confronting relationship to a knife <b>4692</b> that is supported in the stapler head. In the illustrated embodiment, the staple forming insert <b>4684</b> is fabricated from, for example, steel, stainless steel, etc. and contains an inner row of inner staple forming pockets <b>4686</b> and an outer row of outer staple forming pockets <b>4688</b>. Each inner staple forming pocket <b>4686</b> corresponds to one of the inner staple cavities <b>4622</b> and each outer staple forming pocket <b>4688</b> corresponds to one of the outer staple cavities <b>4642</b>. In the illustrated arrangement, the inner staple forming pockets <b>4686</b> are located the same distance g₁from the deck surface <b>4612</b> as are the outer staple forming pockets <b>4688</b>.

0472As can be further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 112 and 113</figref>, an inner staple <b>4630</b> is supported within a corresponding inner staple cavity <b>4622</b> on a corresponding inner driver portion <b>4702</b> of a pusher assembly <b>4700</b>. An outer staple <b>4650</b> is supported within a corresponding outer staple cavity <b>4642</b> on a corresponding outer driver portion <b>4704</b>. Advancement of the pusher assembly <b>4700</b> toward the anvil <b>4680</b> will cause the inner and outer staples <b>4630</b>, <b>4650</b> to be driven into forming contact with their respective corresponding staple forming pockets <b>4686</b>, <b>4688</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 113</figref>. In addition, the knife <b>4692</b> is advanced distally through the tissue that is clamped between the anvil <b>4680</b> and the deck surface <b>4612</b> and through a frangible bottom <b>4691</b> of the knife washer <b>4690</b>. In the example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 112 and 113</figref>, each inner staple <b>4630</b> is formed from a first staple wire that has a first wire diameter D₁and has a first unformed height L₁. For example, the first wire diameter D₁may be approximately 0.0079″-0.015″ (increments are usually 0.0089″, 0.0094″, and 0.00145″) and the first unformed height L₁may be approximately 0.198″-0.250″. Each outer staple <b>4650</b> is formed from a second staple wire that has a second wire diameter D₂and has a second unformed height L₂. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 112 and 113</figref>, D₁&lt;D₂and L₁&lt;L₂. However, as can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 113</figref>, the inner and outer staples <b>4630</b>, <b>4650</b> are formed with the same formed heights FH's. The thicker wire staples on the outside tend to provide high tear and burst strengths as compared to the inside row of smaller diameter staples which tend to hold better hemostatically. Stated another way, the tighter inside rows of staples may hold better hemostatically while the outer rows of less compressed staples may facilitate better healing and blood flow. In addition, the staples with longer legs, even when formed at the same heights as staples with shorter legs, may ensure more B-bending which may make the longer legged staples stronger and more likely to be properly formed enough to hold in high load conditions. The quantity of staples used in each row of staples can vary. In one embodiment, for example, the inner row <b>4620</b> has the same number of inner staples <b>4630</b> as does the outer row <b>4640</b> of outer staples <b>4650</b>. In various arrangements, the crown widths of the staples <b>4650</b> is larger than the crown widths of the inner staples <b>4630</b>. In other embodiments, the staples <b>4630</b>, <b>4650</b> may have identical crown widths. In other arrangements, the staples <b>4630</b>, <b>4650</b> may be of the gullwing design described above. For example, at least one leg of the staple may include an end portion that is bent inwardly or both legs may include end portions that are bent inwardly toward each other. Such staples may be employed in the inner annular row or the outer annular row or in both of the inner and outer annular rows.

0473<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 114</figref> illustrates another circular staple cartridge embodiment <b>4810</b> that includes a cartridge deck <b>4812</b> that includes three annular rows <b>4820</b>, <b>4840</b>, <b>4860</b> of spaced staple cavities. The inner or first row <b>4820</b> contains a first plurality of inner or first staple cavities <b>4822</b> that are each arranged at a first angle. Each inner staple cavity <b>4822</b> operably supports a corresponding inner or first staple <b>4830</b> therein. The inner cavities <b>4822</b> orient the first staples <b>4830</b> at the same uniform angle relative to the tangential direction. In the illustrated example, each inner staple <b>4830</b> is formed from a first staple wire that has a first staple diameter D₁. In one example, the first staple wire diameter D₁may be approximately 0.0079″-0.015″ (increments are usually 0.0089″, 0.0094″, and 0.00145″). Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 117</figref>, each inner staple <b>4830</b> includes a first crown <b>4832</b> and two first legs <b>4834</b>. The first crown has a first crown width C₁and each first leg <b>4834</b> has a first unformed leg length L₁. In one example, the first crown width C₁may be approximately 0.100″-0.300″ and the first unformed leg length L₁may be approximately 0.198″-0.250″. The first legs <b>4834</b> may be each arranged at an angle A₁relative to the first staple crown <b>4832</b>. The angle A₁may be approximately 90° or it may be slightly greater than 90° such that the first legs <b>4834</b> are slightly splayed outward to assist in retaining the first staple <b>4830</b> in its corresponding first staple cavity <b>4822</b>.

0474Turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 115 and 116</figref>, the staple cartridge <b>4810</b> is intended to be used in connection with an anvil <b>4900</b> that includes two inner or first rows <b>4902</b> of staggered or angled first pairs <b>4903</b> of first staple forming pockets <b>4904</b>. Each first pair <b>4903</b> of first staple forming pockets <b>4904</b> correspond to one first staple <b>4830</b>. One first staple forming pocket <b>4904</b> corresponds to one first staple leg <b>4834</b> and the other first staple forming pocket <b>4904</b> of the pair <b>4903</b> corresponds to the other first staple leg <b>4834</b>. Such arrangement serves to establish a formed staple configuration wherein the first staple legs <b>4834</b> of a first staple <b>4830</b> are formed out of plane with the first crown <b>4832</b> of that particular first staple <b>4830</b> such that one first leg <b>4834</b> is formed on one side of the first crown <b>4832</b> and the other first leg <b>4834</b> is formed on the other side of the first crown <b>4832</b>. This “three-dimensional” formed staple configuration is shown with respect to some of the first staple forming pockets <b>4904</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 115</figref>.

0475As can be most particularly seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 116</figref>, the cartridge deck <b>4812</b> is of “stepped” construction. The cartridge deck <b>4812</b> includes an inner or first cartridge deck portion <b>4814</b> that corresponds to the inner or first annular row <b>4820</b> of inner or first staple cavities <b>4822</b>. As can be further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 116</figref>, when the anvil <b>4900</b> is moved to the closed or clamping position, the portion of the anvil <b>4900</b> containing the first staple forming pockets <b>4904</b> is spaced from the deck portion <b>4814</b> a first gap distance g₁.

0476Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 114, 116 and 117</figref>, the middle or second row <b>4840</b> contains a second plurality of middle or second staple cavities <b>4842</b> that are each arranged at a second angle. Each middle staple cavity <b>4842</b> operably supports a corresponding middle or second staple <b>4850</b> therein. The middle cavities <b>4842</b> orient the middle or second staples <b>4850</b> at the same uniform second angle relative to the tangential direction. However, the second angle differs from the first angle. Stated another way, when the first and second staples are supported in their respective first and second cavities, the axis of the first crown of each first staple <b>4830</b>, when extended, would ultimately intersect the extended axis of the second crown of an adjacent second staple <b>4850</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 116 and 117</figref>, each second or middle staple <b>4850</b> comprises a second staple crown or base <b>4852</b> and two second legs <b>4854</b>. The staple base <b>4852</b> may have a somewhat rectangular cross-sectional shape and be formed from a flat sheet of material. The second staple legs <b>4854</b> may have a round cross-sectional profile, for example. The second or middle staples may comprise various staple configurations disclosed in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which has been herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Having round staple legs that extend from a staple base portion having the rectangular cross-sectional profile can provide a staple base portion and staple legs with no preferential bending planes. The second staple <b>4850</b> comprises bend portions <b>4856</b> where the staple legs <b>4854</b> extend from the staple base portion <b>4852</b>. The bend portions <b>4856</b> may comprise a substantially square cross-sectional profile. The square profile and the rectangular profile of the bend portions <b>4856</b> and the staple base portion <b>4852</b>, respectively, provide a stiff connection and backbone to the round staple legs <b>4854</b>. The round staple legs <b>4854</b> eliminate preferential bending planes that staple legs with a square, rectangular, or any shape with vertices or a non-uniform shape, cross-sections could have. Each of the second staple legs <b>4854</b> has a second diameter D₂. In at least one embodiment, D₂>D₁. The second base or crown <b>4852</b> has a second crown width C₂. In one arrangement, C₂>C₁. The second legs <b>4854</b> may be each arranged at an angle A₂relative to the second base or crown <b>4852</b>. The angle A₂may be approximately 90° or it may be slightly greater than 90° such that the second legs <b>4854</b> are slightly splayed outward to assist in retaining the second staple <b>4850</b> in its corresponding second staple cavity <b>4842</b>.

0477Turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 115 and 116</figref>, the anvil <b>4900</b> further comprises two middle or second rows <b>4912</b> of staggered or angled second pairs <b>4913</b> of second staple forming pockets <b>4914</b>. Each second pair <b>4913</b> of second staple forming pockets <b>4914</b> correspond to one second staple <b>4850</b>. One second staple forming pocket <b>4914</b> corresponds to one second staple leg <b>4854</b> and the other second staple forming pocket <b>4914</b> of the pair <b>4913</b> corresponds to the other second staple leg <b>4854</b>. Such arrangement serves to establish a formed staple configuration wherein the second legs <b>4854</b> are formed out of plane with the second base <b>4852</b> of the particular second staple <b>4850</b>. This “three-dimensional” formed staple configuration is shown with respect to some of the second staple forming pockets <b>4914</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 115</figref>.

0478As can be most particularly seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 116</figref>, the cartridge deck <b>4812</b> further comprises a second cartridge deck portion <b>4816</b> that corresponds to the middle or second annular row <b>4840</b> of middle or second staple cavities <b>4842</b>. As can be further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 116</figref>, when the anvil <b>4900</b> is moved to the closed or clamping position, the portion of the anvil <b>4900</b> containing the second staple forming pockets <b>4914</b> is spaced from the deck portion <b>4816</b> a second gap distance g₂. In the illustrated example, g₂>g₁.

0479Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 114, 116 and 117</figref>, the outside or third row <b>4860</b> contains a third plurality of outside or third staple cavities <b>4862</b> that are sized relative to the second staple cavities <b>4842</b> such that each outer or third staple cavity <b>4862</b> spans a distance between two adjacent second cavities <b>4842</b>. Each outer staple cavity <b>4862</b> operably supports a corresponding outer or third staple <b>4870</b> therein. The outer cavities <b>4862</b> orient the outer or third staples <b>4870</b> tangent to the circumferential direction. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 116 and 117</figref>, each third or outer staple <b>4870</b> comprises a third staple crown or base <b>4872</b> and two third legs <b>4874</b>. The staple base <b>4872</b> may have a somewhat rectangular cross-sectional shape and be formed from a flat sheet of material. The third staple legs <b>4874</b> may have a round cross-sectional profile, for example. The third or outer staples <b>4870</b> may comprise various staple configurations disclosed in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which has been herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Having round staple legs that extend from a staple base portion having the rectangular cross-sectional profile can provide a staple base portion and staple legs with no preferential bending planes. The third staple <b>4870</b> comprises bend portions <b>4876</b> where the staple legs <b>4874</b> extend from the staple base portion <b>4872</b>. The bend portions <b>4876</b> may comprise a substantially square cross-sectional profile. The square profile and the rectangular profile of the bend portions <b>4876</b> and the staple base portion <b>4872</b>, respectively, provide a stiff connection and backbone to the round staple legs <b>4874</b>. The round staple legs <b>4874</b> eliminate preferential bending planes that staple legs with a square, rectangular, or any shape with vertices or a non-uniform shape, cross-sections could have. In at least one embodiment, D₃>D₂. The third base or crown <b>4872</b> has a third crown width C₃and each third leg <b>4874</b> has a third unformed leg length L₃. In one arrangement, C₃>C₂and L₃>L₂. The third legs <b>4874</b> may be each arranged at an angle A₃relative to the third base or crown <b>4872</b>. The angle A₃may be approximately 90° or it may be slightly greater than 90° such that the third legs <b>4874</b> are slightly splayed outward to assist in retaining the third staple <b>4870</b> in its corresponding third staple cavity <b>4862</b>.

0480Turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 115 and 116</figref>, the anvil <b>4900</b> further comprises an outer row <b>4916</b> of outer or third staple forming pockets <b>4918</b>. Each third staple forming pocket <b>4918</b> corresponds to one third staple <b>4870</b>. As can be most particularly seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 116</figref>, the cartridge deck <b>4812</b> further comprises a third cartridge deck portion <b>4818</b> that corresponds to the outer or third row <b>4860</b> of outer or third staple cavities <b>4862</b>. As can be further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 116</figref>, when the anvil <b>4900</b> is moved to the closed or clamping position, the portion of the anvil <b>4900</b> containing the third staple forming pockets <b>4918</b> is spaced from the deck portion <b>4818</b> a third gap distance g₃. In the illustrated example, g₃>g₂. As can be further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 116</figref>, in at least one embodiment, a tissue thickness compensator <b>4920</b> is employed in connection with each outer or third staple <b>4870</b>. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a woven material that is embedded with oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) to promote hemostasis. The tissue thickness compensator <b>4920</b> may comprise any of the various tissue thickness compensator arrangements disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/187,389, filed Feb. 24, 2014, entitled IMPLANTABLE LAYER ASSEMBLIES, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0238187, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 116</figref>, the tissue thickness compensator <b>4920</b> has a thickness designated as “a”. In one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator has a thickness of approximately 0.015″-0.045″. However, other thicknesses may be employed.

0481Thus, in at east one embodiment as depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 114-117</figref>, the staple cartridge <b>4810</b> may employ a different number of staples in each of the three rows of staples. In one arrangement, the inner row of staples comprises conventional staples with the smallest wire diameter and the shortest unformed leg length. Each first staple has the shortest crown width and each first staple is oriented at a uniform angle relative to the tangential direction. The middle staples have a configuration that differs from the first staple configuration. Each leg of the middle staples comprises a moderate wire diameter and unformed leg length. Each middle staple has a slightly larger crown width than the crown widths of the inner staples and each middle staple is oriented at a uniform angle relative to the tangential direction, but at a different angle relative to the inner row of inner staples. Each outer staple has a configuration that is similar to the configuration of the middle staples. Each of the third legs of each outer staple comprises the largest wire diameter as compared to the wire diameters of the legs of the inner and middle staples. The crown width of each outer staple is significantly larger than the crown widths of the inner and middle staples. Each outer staple is oriented tangentially to the circumferential direction of the cartridge. The outer row of staples employs woven tissue thickness compensators (spacer fabric) that is embedded with ORC to promote hemostasis. The stepped anvil and the stepped cartridge deck yield different formed staple heights with the staples having the shortest formed heights being in the inner row and the staples having the longest formed heights being in the outer row. The anvil pockets corresponding to the inner and middle rows of staples are “tilted” to create three dimensional staples in the inner and middle rows. “Bathtub-type” anvil pockets correspond to the outer row of staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples may be sequentially fired. For example, the staples in the inner and middle rows may be fired first and the staples in the outer row fired thereafter. The annular knife cuts the clamped tissue during the firing process.

0482As described in various embodiments of the present disclosure, a circular stapling instrument includes an anvil and a staple cartridge. One or both of the anvil and the staple cartridge is movable relative to the other between an open configuration and a closed configuration to capture tissue therebetween. The staple cartridge houses staples inside, or at least partially inside, circular rows of staple cavities. The staples are deployed in circular rows from their respective staple cavities into the captured tissue and are formed against corresponding circular rows of forming pockets in the anvil. A firing drive is configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during a firing stroke of the firing drive.

0483An anvil of a circular stapling instrument generally comprises a tissue compression surface and an annular array of staple forming pockets defined in the tissue compression surface. The anvil further comprises an attachment mount and a stem extending from the attachment mount. The stem is configured to be releasably attached to a closure drive of the circular stapling instrument so that the anvil can be moved toward and away from a staple cartridge of the circular stapling instrument.

0484The staple cartridge and the anvil can travel separately within a patient and are combined at the surgical field. In various instances, the staple cartridge, for example, travels through a narrow tubular body of the patient such as, for example, a colon. A staple cartridge may include several tissue-contacting features such as, for example, stepped decks and pocket extenders. To avoid unintentional injury to the patient as the staple cartridge travels toward a target tissue, the present disclosure, among other things, presents various modifications to several tissue-contacting features.

0485Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 118</figref>, a partial cross-sectional view depicts a staple cartridge <b>15500</b> of a circular surgical instrument pressing against tissue (T) as the staple cartridge <b>15500</b> travels within a patient's body. Multiple structural features of the staple cartridge <b>15500</b> are modified to create an especially contoured outer frame <b>15502</b> to protect the tissue. The staple cartridge <b>15500</b> includes a plurality of annular rows of staple cavities. In at least one example, an outer row <b>15504</b> of staple cavities <b>15510</b> at least partially surrounds an inner row <b>15506</b> of staple cavities <b>15512</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 118</figref>. The staple cavities <b>15510</b> and <b>15512</b> are configured to house staples <b>15530</b> and <b>15531</b>, respectively.

0486The terms inner and outer delineate a relationship with reference to a central axis <b>15533</b>. For example, an inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b> is closer to the central axis <b>15533</b> than outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>.

0487As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 119</figref>, the staple cartridge <b>15500</b> comprises a stepped cartridge deck <b>15508</b>. The outer row <b>15504</b> is defined in an outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> of the stepped cartridge deck <b>15508</b> while the inner row <b>15506</b> is defined in an inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b> of the stepped cartridge deck <b>15508</b>. The outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> is stepped down from the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b> which creates a gradient that reduces friction as the staple cartridge <b>15500</b> is pressed against the tissue.

0488In certain instances, the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b>. In other instances, the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> is slanted such that a first plane defined by the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> is transverse to a second plane defined by the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b>. An angle is defined between the first plane and the second plane. The angle can be an acute angle. In at least one instance, the angle can be any angle selected from a range of greater than about 0° and less than or equal to about 30°, for example. In at least one instance, the angle can be any angle selected from a range of greater than about 5° and less than or equal to about 25°, for example. In at least one instance, the angle can be any angle selected from a range of greater than about 10° and less than or equal to about 20°, for example. A slanted outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> can reduce friction against, or snagging of, tissue as the staple cartridge <b>15500</b> is moved relative to the tissue. In at least one instance, a slanted outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> is also stepped down from the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b>.

0489In at least one instance, an inner portion of the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> is planar, or at least substantially planar while an outer edge <b>15548</b> of the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> is pitched, radiused, and/or beveled to reduce friction against, or snagging of, tissue as the staple cartridge <b>15500</b> is moved relative to the tissue. The staple cavities <b>15510</b> reside in the planar inner portion of the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>, for example. An outer edge <b>15550</b> of the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b> can also be pitched, beveled and/or radiused to reduce friction against, or snagging of, tissue as the staple cartridge <b>15500</b> is moved relative to the tissue.

0490To accommodate staples with the same, or at least substantially the same, unformed heights in the staple cavities <b>15510</b> of the outer row <b>15504</b> and the staple cavities <b>15512</b> of the inner row <b>15504</b>, the staple cavities <b>15510</b> of the outer row <b>15504</b> comprise pocket extenders <b>15514</b>. The pocket extenders <b>15514</b> are configured to control and guide the staples <b>15530</b> as they are ejected from their respective staple cavities <b>15510</b>. In certain instances, the pocket extenders <b>15514</b> can be configured to accommodate staples with a greater unformed height s that the staples of the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b>, for example.

0491As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 119</figref>, a staple cavity <b>15510</b> in the outer row <b>15504</b> is laterally aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with a gap <b>15520</b> between two adjacent staple cavities <b>15512</b> in the inner row <b>15506</b>. The staple cavity <b>15510</b> includes a first end <b>15522</b> and a second end <b>15524</b>. The second end <b>15524</b> overlaps with a first end <b>15526</b> of one of the two consecutive staple cavities <b>15512</b> such that a staple leg <b>15530</b><i>a </i>positioned at the second end <b>15524</b> is radially aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with a staple leg <b>15531</b><i>a </i>positioned at the first end <b>15526</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 118</figref>. Likewise, the first end <b>15522</b> of the staple cavity <b>15510</b> overlaps with a second end <b>15528</b> of the other one of the two consecutive staple cavities <b>15512</b>.

0492A pocket extender <b>15514</b> comprises a first jacket <b>15532</b> protruding from the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> to conceal a tip <b>15536</b> of the staple leg <b>15530</b><i>a </i>that extends beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>. The first jacket <b>15532</b> comprises an end <b>15538</b> protruding from the first end <b>15522</b>, an inner side wall <b>15540</b> and an outer side wall <b>15542</b> extending away from the end <b>15538</b> to form the first jacket <b>15532</b>. In at least one instance, the first jacket <b>15532</b> defines, or at least substantially defines, a “C” shaped wall extending on a portion of a perimeter <b>15535</b> of the staple cavity <b>15510</b> that comprises the first end <b>15522</b>.

0493To reduce friction against the tissue, the inner side wall <b>15540</b> protrudes from the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> to a greater height than the outer side wall <b>15542</b>. Said another way, the outer side wall <b>15542</b> is lower in height than the inner side wall <b>15540</b>. This arrangement creates a gradient for a smooth transition from the inner side wall <b>15540</b> to the outer side wall <b>15542</b> to the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>. In at least one example, the inner side wall <b>15540</b> and the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b> comprise the same, or at least substantially the same, height with reference to the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>. Alternatively, the inner side wall <b>15540</b> and the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b> comprise different heights with reference to the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>. In certain instances, the inner side wall <b>15540</b> is lower in height relative to the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b> with reference to the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>. This arrangement creates a gradient for a smooth transition from the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b> to the inner side wall <b>15540</b> to the outer side wall <b>15542</b> to the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>.

0494The inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b>, the inner side wall <b>15540</b>, the outer side wall <b>15542</b>, and/or the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> define discrete portions of the contoured outer frame <b>15502</b>; nonetheless, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 118</figref>, such portions are kept sufficiently close to one another so that tissue cannot be trapped therebetween as the staple cartridge <b>15500</b> presses against the tissue. Furthermore, one or more of the portions may include slanted, contoured, curved, radiused, and/or beveled outer surfaces to reduce friction against the tissue. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 118</figref>, an upper surface <b>15544</b> of the outer side wall <b>15542</b> and an upper surface <b>15546</b> of the inner side wall <b>15540</b> are slanted, contoured, curved, radiused, and/or beveled to define the contoured outer frame <b>15502</b>.

0495In at least one instance, the upper surface <b>15544</b> and the upper surface <b>15546</b> define a slanted plane that is transverse to a first plane defined by the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> and a second plane defined by the inner tissue-contacting surface <b>15518</b>. In at least one instance, a first angle is defined between the slanted plane and the first plane. A second angle can also be defined between the slanted plane and the second plane. The first and second angles can be the same, or at least substantially the same in value. Alternatively, the first angle can be different from the second angle in value. In at least one instance, the first angle and/or the second angle are acute angles. In at least one instance, the first angle is any angle selected from a range of greater than about 0° and less than or equal to about 30°, for example. In at least one instance, the first angle is any angle selected from a range of greater than about 5° and less than or equal to about 25°, for example. In at least one instance, the first angle is any angle selected from a range of greater than about 10° and less than or equal to about 20°, for example. In at least one instance, the second angle is any angle selected from a range of greater than about 0° and less than or equal to about 30°, for example. In at least one instance, the second angle is any angle selected from a range of greater than about 5° and less than or equal to about 25°, for example. In at least one instance, the second angle is any angle selected from a range of greater than about 10° and less than or equal to about 20°, for example.

0496Further to the above, the pocket extender <b>15514</b> includes a second jacket <b>15534</b> that is similar in many respects to the first jacket <b>15532</b>. Like the first jacket <b>15532</b>, the second jacket <b>15534</b> protrudes from the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b> to conceal a tip of a staple leg that extends beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>. The second jacket <b>15534</b> comprises an end <b>15538</b> protruding from the second end <b>15524</b>, an inner side wall <b>15540</b> and an outer side wall <b>15542</b> extending from the end <b>15538</b> to form the second jacket <b>15534</b>.

0497Although one pocket extender <b>15514</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 119</figref>, it is understood that one or more other pocket extenders <b>15514</b> may protrude from the outer tissue-contacting surface <b>15516</b>, for example. In at least one instance, the first jacket <b>15532</b> and the second jacket <b>15534</b> are connected via side walls to define a pocket extender that completely surrounds a staple cavity, for example.

0498Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 82A</figref> schematically depicts a robotic surgical instrument system <b>20</b>′; however, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail.

0499The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

0500The entire disclosures of:

0501European Patent Application No. EP 795298, entitled LINEAR STAPLER WITH IMPROVED FIRING STROKE, which was filed on Mar. 12, 1997;

0502U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,272, entitled TRIGGER MECHANISM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Feb. 25, 1997;

0503U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,543, entitled LINEAR STAPLER WITH IMPROVED FIRING STROKE, which issued on Dec. 16, 1997;

0504U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0246881, entitled METHOD FOR MAKING A SURGICAL STAPLER, which published on Nov. 10, 2005;

0505U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0208359, entitled METHOD FOR STAPLING TISSUE, which published on Sep. 6, 2007;

0506U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,724, entitled DISPOSABLE LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which issued on Jul. 9, 1985;

0507U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,198, entitled FAST CLOSURE DEVICE FOR LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which issued on Aug. 11, 1992;

0508U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,073, entitled FLEXIBLE SUPPORT SHAFT ASSEMBLY, which issued on Apr. 11, 1995;

0509U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,297, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SELF ADJUSTING ANVIL, which issued on Jan. 29, 2013;

0510U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,242, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SYSTEMS FOR ASSURING THE PROPER SEQUENTIAL OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

0511U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,259, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SEPARATE TISSUE SECURING AND TISSUE CUTTING SYSTEMS, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

0512U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,266, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SYSTEMS FOR PERMITTING THE OPTIONAL TRANSECTION OF TISSUE, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

0513U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,274, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR BYPASSING AN OPERATIONAL STEP OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

0514U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;

0515U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006;

0516U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008;

0517U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;

0518U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

0519U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010; U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;

0520U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;

0521U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;

0522U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;

0523U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;

0524U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;

0525U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009;

0526now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;

0527U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;

0528U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

0529U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;

0530U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;

0531U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263551;

0532U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;

0533U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and

0534U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

0535Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

0536The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

0537The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

0538While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

0539Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.